With Debashish Panda’s term ending, Speculation grows over next IRDAI chairperson

As IRDAI Chairperson Debashish Panda (Retd. IAS:1987:UP) set to complete his three-year tenure on March 13, speculation about his successor has begun. The Department of Financial Services invited applications for the position on March 10, making it too early to confirm a replacement.

Two names gaining traction in power corridors are former Defence Secretary Aramane Giridhar (Retd. IAS:1988:AP) and Economic Affairs Secretary Ajay Seth (IAS:1987:KN), who is set to retire on June 30, 2025.

In the interim, IRDAI’s senior-most member, PK Arora, is likely to take charge until a regular appointment is made. Given the April 6 deadline for applications and the time required for selection process, Arora is expected to hold the position temporarily.