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IRDAI

Composition, Powers, and Functions

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is a statutory, autonomous body established under the IRDAI Act, 1999, to regulate and develop the insurance and reinsurance sectors in India.

Key details
  • IRDAI was set up on the recommendation of the Malhotra Committee (1994), which proposed liberalisation of the insurance sector. It became operational in 2000.
  • Composition (Section 4 of IRDAI Act): A 10-member body — 1 Chairman, 5 full-time members, and 4 part-time members — all appointed by the Government of India.
  • Key powers under Section 14 of the IRDAI Act: issue, renew, modify, suspend, or cancel registration of insurance companies; regulate premium rates for non-life insurance; protect policyholders' interests; license and regulate insurance intermediaries (agents, brokers, surveyors); conduct audits and investigations.
  • IRDAI functions under the Ministry of Finance (Department of Financial Services).
  • The Insurance Act, 1938 (as amended) is the principal legislation governing insurance companies; the IRDAI Act, 1999 established the regulator. Together, they constitute the legal framework for insurance regulation in India.
In the news

Tracked since March 09, 2026 · last seen April 08, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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