In a significant step towards empowering women and enhancing financial inclusion, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in Panipat, Haryana. This initiative, aimed at offering employment and financial independence to women, aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to empower women across the country. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, Haryana.
In his address, Shri Modi highlighted that today’s launch marks a powerful move towards women’s empowerment, emphasizing that the government’s focus has been on providing ample opportunities for women to break barriers and excel. He stated that the launch of Bima Sakhi Yojana would not only empower women but also contribute to the broader goal of financial inclusion. The initiative will recruit women as insurance agents, offering them training and financial assistance, with the aim of making them self-sufficient and providing a sustainable income source.
The Prime Minister noted that this date, December 9, is particularly significant, as it aligns with the ninth day of Navratri, a period that honors the power of women. He also referred to the historical importance of December 9, recalling the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. He expressed that the country’s journey towards equality and development is inspired by the Constitution, and today’s event is a reminder of that commitment.
Shri Modi also acknowledged Haryana’s rich legacy in ethics, religion, and culture, particularly paying tribute to Kurukshetra for hosting the International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav. He expressed pride in the state’s ongoing efforts, including its successful adoption of the mantra ‘Ek hain to Safe hain’, which has set a nationwide example.
Reaffirming his strong ties with Haryana, the Prime Minister thanked the people of the state for electing the government for a third consecutive term and commended the state for the significant number of permanent jobs created without corruption. He emphasized that the government’s focus on women has resulted in programs such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, which had a positive impact on the lives of many daughters in Haryana.
Shri Modi reiterated India’s commitment to becoming a developed nation by 2047 and stressed the importance of North-East India and the empowerment of women as essential sources of energy in achieving this goal. He highlighted that by providing more opportunities to women, the country opens new doors for growth, with women actively participating in sectors like the army, police, and corporate leadership.
Regarding the Bima Sakhi Yojana, the Prime Minister noted that it represents years of work and dedication to overcoming barriers to women’s financial independence. He highlighted that under the Jan Dhan Yojana, 30 crore women were given access to bank accounts, ensuring that financial aid reaches the women who manage households. This initiative, he said, has significantly improved women’s financial participation.
The Bima Sakhi Yojana aims to provide employment to 2 lakh women, offering training and financial assistance to women who have completed class 10. These women will become insurance agents, helping to expand LIC’s reach across the country. The Prime Minister pointed out that LIC agents earn an average of Rs. 15,000 per month, and Bima Sakhis could earn up to Rs. 1.75 lakh annually, helping improve the economic situation of their families.
Shri Modi emphasized the broader social impact of the program, noting that it is part of the government’s larger goal of providing social security for all through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojanas. Over 20 crore people have already benefited from these schemes.
The Prime Minister also celebrated the success of various women-led programs like Bank Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, and Pashu Sakhis, which are empowering women in rural India and contributing to the country’s economic growth. He highlighted that these women are not only gaining financial independence but are also transforming their communities and economies.
Furthermore, Shri Modi recalled his announcement from the Red Fort to create 3 crore ‘Lakhpati Didis’, with over 1.15 crore women already earning more than Rs. 1 lakh annually. He also praised the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, which is revolutionizing agriculture and improving the lives of rural women.
In closing, the Prime Minister reaffirmed his commitment to Haryana’s development and assured the people that the state would continue to progress rapidly under the leadership of both the Central and State Governments. He expressed confidence that women’s participation in Haryana’s growth would only strengthen in the years to come.
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, in her welcome address, lauded the expansion of LIC’s women agents from 6 lakh in 2017 to 7.45 lakh in 2023. She detailed the Bima Sakhi Yojana’s structure, including a stipend for the first three years, and outlined the potential for women to earn commissions based on the insurance policies they secure. The government aims to recruit 2 lakh Bima Sakhis over the next three years, with women aged 18 to 70 eligible for the program.
The event was attended by Haryana’s Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, and other dignitaries.
