According to a recent report by Bandhan Life, the number of female policyholders has increased across Eastern India. Women’s participation has risen from 12% in the 2023–24 financial year to 35% in the 2025–26 financial year. This trend reflects a growing shift in financial awareness, with more women actively engaging in long-term financial planning and security. Bandhan Life released this data as part of its Mother’s Day celebrations. According to the organization, the Northeast has emerged as a key market in this sector. West Bengal leads the region with 42.84% female policyholders, followed by Bihar (21.46%), Odisha (10.67%), Jharkhand (9.31%), and Assam (8.54%). There is a notable increase in interest among women specifically for endowment policies.
Satishwar B., Managing Director and CEO of Bandhan Life, stated that more women are actively recognizing the importance of life insurance as a vital tool for protection, savings, and long-term financial planning. Bandhan Life has observed that women in the 46–55 and 56–65 age groups are consistently showing interest in purchasing policies, while a decrease in importance has been noted among women in the 25–35 age group. The company has also seen an increasing trend among female customers toward wealth creation alongside protection. The institution’s flagship offering, the i-Income Wealth Plan, alone contributed 40% of total plan sign-ups in the 2025–26 financial year. This shift is supported by Bandhan Life’s expanded product suite, which offers a complete portfolio of insurance solutions, enabling women to align their insurance purchases with long-term wealth creation goals. Income levels and life stages play a significant role in product preference. Women over 35 years old with an annual income exceeding 5 lakhs are increasingly choosing wealth creation options. Conversely, younger women with incomes below 3 lakhs are opting for protection-centric products, providing a clear idea of their financial needs and priorities.
Bandhan Life’s data highlights the growing financial independence among women.
Eastern India Sees Surge in Female Policyholders
