<h1>Government to Boost Insurance Access: Easier Branch Openings, Banks as Brokers, and Expanded Coverage for Workers.</h1> The government plans to enhance insurance penetration through a multi-pronged strategy, allowing insurance companies to open branches in smaller cities without prior IRDA approval and permitting banks to act as insurance brokers. Banking correspondents can sell micro-insurance products, and existing bank KYC will suffice for insurance purchases. By March 2014, LIC and another public sector insurer will establish offices in towns with populations over 10,000. The Rashtirya Swastha Bima Yojana will expand to include various worker categories. Additionally, the Rural Housing Fund will receive increased funding, and a new urban housing fund will be established. An integrated social security package for the unorganized sector is also proposed.