Bengaluru, July 02, 2025: The lead insurers for Karnataka, ManipalCigna Health Insurance, Reliance General Insurance, Canara HSBC Life Insurance, CreditAccess Life Insurance, and Narayana Health Insurance, today reaffirmed their commitment to deepening insurance penetration and awareness for the state at the State-Level Insurance Committee (SLIC) Meeting held in Bengaluru. This initiative is in line with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India’s (IRDAI) State Insurance Plan and its vision towards “Insurance For All by 2047”.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders from the government, regulatory bodies, and insurance industry to review the progress made and chart a collaborative roadmap for enhancing insurance coverage across the state. Among the dignitaries present were Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government, Finance (Fiscal Reforms), Government of Karnataka, Shri Sunil Kurtkoti, Financial Advisor, Finance Department, Government of Karnataka, Shri Krishna Deshpande, Consultant, Finance Department, Government of Karnataka and Shri Inderjeet Singh, Secretary General, General Insurance Council.
Karnataka has consistently stood at the forefront of India’s economic development, and its contribution to the insurance sector is no exception. As the second-highest contributor to national insurance premiums and ranked 2nd in Gross Direct Premium Income (GDPI) in FY24, the state plays a pivotal role in driving inclusive financial protection. The collaborative efforts of all lead insurers through their initiatives enable the spreading of health insurance awareness and accessibility across the state, especially in Tier 2 and 3 cities.
Addressing the audience, Dr. Vishal R, Secretary to Government, Finance (Fiscal Reforms), Government of Karnataka, commended the efforts of insurers and congratulated them on the successful conduct of the second State-Level Insurance Coordination (SLIC) meeting. Highlighting the importance of insurance awareness, he called for greater synergy between SLIC, the State Level Bankers’ Committee (SLBC), and the District Level Bankers’ Committee (DLBC) to strengthen outreach. He also stressed the need to adopt government-backed schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) as the starting point for building awareness and driving insurance inclusion at the grassroots level.
Shri Inderjeet Singh, Secretary General, General Insurance Council, recognized the industry’s sustained initiatives to spread insurance awareness and penetration across the state of Karnataka. He emphasized the importance of continued collaboration and support for the sector, particularly in facilitating timely access to data. He reaffirmed the industry’s commitment to working closely with the government to deepen insurance awareness, highlighting the launch of the ‘Achha Kiya Insurance Liya’ campaign, a key step towards deepening insurance penetration and strengthening financial protection for all.












![New Delhi [India], January 9: Visually impaired cricketer and captain of Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the Blind Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy on Tuesday was conferred with Prestigious Arjuna Award from the President of India at a specially organized function at Rashtrapati Bhavan. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games is given for good performance over a period of the previous three years and for showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline. Illuri Ajay Kumar Reddy (Blind Cricket) is among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2023. The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports last month had announced the National Sports Awards 2023. The nominated stars received their awards from the President of India. “I am overwhelmed with this recognition. I dedicate this award to my Parents and Family members for their support. I also would like to thank Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) and all the players with whom I have played,” Ajay Reddy said in a statement. Congratulating Arjuna awardee Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar, Chairman- Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) said “It is an honour and proud moment for all the blind cricketers across the world. It is the good recognition for the hard work and dedication in taking Cricket for the Blind to the next level through various achievements by the Indian Men’s Cricket Team for the blind under the leadership of Ajay Reddy. CABI is happy that cricket for the blind is getting the recognition with other major sports.” Following the Award ceremony, Illuri Ajay Reddy, the chairman of the Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) Dr Mahantesh G Kivadasannavar and CABI secretary Shailender Yadav also met Indian pacer Mohammad Shami. Shami is also among the 26 sportspersons who were honoured with Arjuna Award on Tuesday. Illuri Ajay Reddy is currently working in SBI regional office in Bangalore. He is a B2 category player, who is representing India since 2010. He has been part of winning two ODI World Cups, 3 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup. Ajay is the captain of the Indian cricket team for the blind since 2016. Under his captaincy Team India has won 1 ODI world cup, 2 T20 world cups, 1 Asia Cup and the Silver Medal in IBSA World Games and many bilateral and triangular Series. Cricket Association for the Blind in India (CABI) acknowledges the great support received from the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports through this award. The continuous support and patronage received from the esteemed ministry has helped CABI to achieve this milestone.](https://thisweekindia.news/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Arjuna-Award-to-Ajay-Kumar-Reddy-Captain-of-Indian-Blind-Cricket-Team-thisweekindia.png)
