Archive · 6 Nov 2025
Letters to the Editor: Health Insurance, Banking, and Telecom Sector
Imagine people writing letters about important topics.
One person thinks the government should not charge tax on group health insurance, but also points out that group insurance plans often have unfair advantages that make regular health insurance more expensive for individuals.
Another person is happy that many people in India are now using bank accounts, which is good for the country's economy.
A third person is discussing the phone companies, mentioning that a court ruling has helped the government offer some relief, and questioning if the government-owned phone companies, BSNL and MTNL, have a clear plan to be important players in the future.
A letter argues for waiving GST on group health insurance but highlights unfair practices that inflate individual policy premiums.
Concerns are raised about individual health insurance buyers subsidizing the perceived favorable terms of group insurance.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has surpassed ₹2.75 lakh crore in total balance, signaling increased banking participation.
A commentary on the telecom sector calls for a strong third operator and suggests a need for a clear roadmap for state-owned BSNL/MTNL.
The Supreme Court ruling on AGR dues provides flexibility for the government to offer relief in the telecom sector.
- Who
- Jose Abraham (Kottayam), S Ramakrishnasayee (Chennai), V Vijaykumar (Pune), readers, and authorities
- What
- Discussions on waiving GST for group health insurance and addressing unfair practices within it, the milestone achieved by PMJDY, and the need for a clear roadmap for BSNL/MTNL in the telecom sector.
- When
- November 6, 2025
- Where
- India
- Why
- To share perspectives on current economic, financial, and public policy issues affecting citizens.
Remove GST on Group Health Insurance
Address Unfair Practices in Group Health Insurance
GST on Group Health Insurance
Remove GST on Group Health Insurance
The article argues for a waiver of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on group health insurance, highlighting its cogent argument.
Address Unfair Practices in Group Health Insurance
While a GST waiver is discussed, the primary concern is the 'atrocious' and unjust practices within group medical insurance, which unfairly inflate premiums for individual buyers.
Fairness in Health Insurance Premiums
Remove GST on Group Health Insurance
The core issue is the cross-subsidy where individual health insurance buyers fund the shortfalls caused by group insurance segments.
Address Unfair Practices in Group Health Insurance
Practices like discounted premiums, lax underwriting, and favored claim settlements in group insurance lead to inflated costs for individual policyholders.
- Publication Date
- November 6, 2025
- Group Health Insurance Issue
- Advocacy for GST waiver and addressing cross-subsidies.
- Banking Highlight
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) balance crossing ₹2.75 lakh crore.
- Telecom Sector Focus
- Discussion on AGR dues, the need for a third operator, and the role/roadmap for BSNL/MTNL.