Heated Debate over 100% FDI in India's Insurance Sector

The bill to raise foreign direct investment (FDI) in India's insurance sector to 100% faced opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Concerns were raised about potential data security risks and foreign control over the domestic market. Calls were made to scrutinize the bill further by a Parliamentary panel.

The Rajya Sabha witnessed fervent discussions on Wednesday as several non-ruling members expressed their stern opposition to the proposed bill seeking to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the insurance sector to 100%.

The bill, spearheaded by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has already cleared the Lok Sabha but faces scrutiny in the Upper House. Critics, including Congress's Shaktisinh Gohil, questioned the sharing of sensitive personal data with foreign insurers and likened possible outcomes to past privatisations in other sectors.

While some members like BJP's Arun Singh called for support, emphasizing domestic regulatory control, others cited potential threats to job security and domestic market integrity, urging referral to a Parliamentary panel for detailed examination.

(With inputs from agencies.)