"The central theme of the reforms is to protect policyholders' interests"

Debasish Panda, Chairperson of Irdai, talks about what the insurance regulator would need to do to make it easier for insurance companies to serve customers better

- KRISHNENDU HALDER

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) is on a mission to revamp and reform the insurance sector in the country and increase penetration. Irdai Chairperson Debasish Panda, 61, says the regulator’s emphasis is on lighter regulations and a consultative approach. In an email interaction with Business Today’s Teena Jain Kaushal, Panda shares insights on the sector, the changes planned and the way ahead. Edited excerpts:

Q: The insurance sector has seen several reforms in the recent past. What are your plans moving forward?

A: Irdai is actively working towards creating an attractive landscape in India’s insurance sector, aligning with the country’s resilient economy and business-friendly market. The primary objective of these efforts is to ensure the availability, accessibility, and affordability of insurance for all citizens and businesses. The initial reforms focussed on facilitating product launches, flexible capital raising, efficient management of expenses, expanding distribution channels, and enhancing reinsurance accessibility and facilitating setting up of new entities.