| Title | Leveraging Direct Benefit Transfers to Improve Insurance Penetration and Risk Protection Among Low-Income Households in India |
|---|---|
| Author(s) | Dr.B.INDIRA PRIYADHARSHINI |
| File | Meri-max-Jan-2026.pdf |
| Abstract | Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) have emerged as a pivotal reform in India's welfare delivery system, designed to enhance transparency and reduce leakages in government programmes It the same time, insurance has become an essential instrument for financial security particularly for low-income households that face persistent vulnerabilities such as health emergencies, crop losses, accidents, and income shocks. Despite the growth of public insurance schemes, penetration among the poor remains uneven due to structural, behavioural, and administrative barriers. This paper examines how DBT can be effectively leveraged to improve insurance access, affordability, and utilization among low-income households in India. By integrating digital identity systems, bank account access, and mobile connectivity, DBT has transformed the delivery of subsidies and benefits, and this architecture can significantly streamline insurance-linked payments, premium support, and claim settlements. The paper evaluates existing models of DBT-enabled insurance, explores major challenges, analyzes policy relevance, and proposes pathways to strengthen the integration of DBT with the insurance sector. Ultimately, the convergence of these two mechanisms holds immense potential for building a comprehensive, transparent, and resilient social protection system capable of safeguarding vulnerable households from economic shocks. |
