In this article, we will discuss IRDA (Brief Introduction). So, let’s get started.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority is the main organization or supervisory body that regulates the insurance sector in the country. It sets rules and regulations for the functioning of the insurance industry. Its sole purpose is to protect the interest of policyholders and to develop the industry on the whole.
The IRDA or IRDAI regularly issues advisories to insurance companies in case of changes to the rules and regulations. The regulator guides the insurance industry in promoting the efficiency in the conduct of insurance business all the while controlling the rates and other charges related to insurance. This article dwells on the functioning of the IRDA, features and benefits as well as answers to frequently asked questions at the end of this reading.
Establishment of IRDA:
The Government of India was the regulator for the insurance industry until 2000. However, to institute a stand-alone apex body, the IRDA was established in 2000 following the recommendation of the Malhotra Committee report in 1999. In August 2000, the IRDA began accepting applications for registrations through invites and allowed companies from other countries to invest up to 26% in the market.
The IRDA has outlined several rules and regulations under Section 114A of the Insurance Act, 1938. Regulations range from registration of insurance companies for operating in the country to protecting policyholder’s interests. As of September 2020, there are 31 General Insurance companies and 24 Life Insurance companies who are registered with the IRDA.
Objective of IRDA:
The main objective of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India is to enforce the provisions under the Insurance Act. The mission statement of the IRDA is:
To protect the interest and fair treatment of the policyholder.
To regulate the insurance industry in fairness and ensure the financial soundness of the industry.
To regularly frame regulations to ensure the industry operates without any ambiguity.
