Lucknow, September 18, 2008 (IANS)

Reliance Life Insurance Co Ltd (RLIC), part of the Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group (ADAG), Thursday said its premium income has grown by 152% during April-July this fiscal, in sharp contrast to the overall life insurance industry growth of 1.6% during the same period. The company also plans to infuse fresh capital of over Rs.10 billion in the next six months, which will take its capital base to Rs.30 billion, he added.

"We have registered a premium income of Rs.1,112 crore (Rs.11.12 billion)," RLIC chief executive P. Nandagopal told reporters here. Nandagopal also revealed the company's plan to enter the rural market. "Termed as the emerging market channel, we are the first private sector company to offer insurance cover for rural population at affordable premiums," he said.

The products for rural markets are available at comparatively lower premiums - Rs.300, Rs.500 and Rs.1,000 every three months, Nandagopal said. "Our market share among the private insurers is nearly 9% and we are confident of becoming number one in the next few years," he added.