The proposed EASE framework could provide a common reform roadmap for public sector general insurers, with a focus on improving productivity, strengthening governance, modernising technology platforms and enhancing customer service. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on how quickly the recommendations are translated into measurable operational and financial improvements.

New Delhi: The Department of Financial Services (DFS) has appointed Sanjay Lalla, former executive director of Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC), as head of the Project Implementation Unit (PIU) for Project Sankalp, which will drive the implementation of the Enhanced Access and Service Excellence (EASE) reform agenda for public sector insurance companies.

The initiative aims to make PSU insurers more competitive, agile, technology-driven, customer-centric and profitable.

Sanjay Lalla,Head, Project Implementation Unit, Project Sankalp

Lalla will be engaged through the General Insurers’ Public Sector Association of India (GIPSA), the coordinating agency for public sector general insurance companies, for three years at a monthly remuneration of Rs 3 lakh.

The EASE framework, originally launched in 2018 by the DFS and the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), has been a key reform initiative to transform public sector banks (PSBs) into agile, technology-enabled and customer-focused institutions. Following the implementation of EASE 8.0, the government launched EASE 9.0 in February 2026 to strengthen the competitiveness of public sector banks in line with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

The government is now looking to extend a similar reform-driven approach to the public sector insurance industry.

Earlier, the DFS has initiated discussions with six public sector insurance institutions—New India Assurance, United India Insurance, Oriental Insurance, National Insurance Company, GIC Re and Agriculture Insurance Company—to identify areas where an EASE-style framework could improve operational efficiency, accelerate digital transformation and drive business growth.

Following initial deliberations, several committees comprising general managers have been constituted to examine different reform areas and prepare recommendations. Their reports are expected to be finalised ahead of a meeting with the top management of the insurance companies.

The initiative comes after the government decided against merging the four public sector multiline general insurance companies. Instead of pursuing consolidation, the focus appears to be shifting towards improving the operational and financial performance of the existing institutions.

Analysts view the move as a potentially significant change in the government’s approach to public sector insurers—from protecting and supporting legacy institutions to demanding greater commercial discipline, operational efficiency, technology adoption and customer-centricity.

The proposed EASE framework could provide a common reform roadmap for public sector general insurers, with a focus on improving productivity, strengthening governance, modernising technology platforms and enhancing customer service. Its effectiveness, however, will depend on how quickly the recommendations are translated into measurable operational and financial improvements.