| 02 Sep 2025 09:44 | | Ajay Seth Appointed as IRDAI Chairman After a 5-Month Hiatus | |
Following a five-month vacancy in the top regulatory office, Ajay Seth assumed charge on Monday as the Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
His appointment was approved by the government on July 25 for a tenure of three years, or until he attains the age of 65. He steps into this role at a critical juncture for India's lagging insurance sector.
He succeeds Debasish Panda, whose tenure concluded on March 13.
A 1987-batch IAS officer of the Karnataka cadre, Seth is the former Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs and possesses over three decades of experience in economic policy and regulatory reforms.
Seth takes charge at a time when the industry is grappling with sluggish growth. In the life insurance segment, concerns regarding mis-selling, high commissions, and the role of banks in product distribution remain on the regulator's radar.
Health insurance, meanwhile, is embroiled in a conflict between hospitals and insurers, stemming from consumer complaints regarding settlements, delays in cashless claims, and steep premium hikes.
Several major reforms await Seth's attention. A new amendment to the Insurance Act is expected to be tabled in Parliament, alongside draft rules—introduced on August 29—aimed at liberalizing foreign investment norms.
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