In a major step towards deepening financial inclusion and empowering rural women, the Ministry of Rural Development has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). Under this partnership, trained women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) across the country will be appointed as ‘Bima Sakhis’ at the Gram Panchayat level.
The initiative aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ and the broader goal of building a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
These ‘Bima Sakhis’ will act as grassroots insurance agents, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. Leveraging their local knowledge and trusted presence within communities, they will raise awareness about the importance of financial protection, guide families on LIC insurance products, and support the effective implementation of welfare schemes.
The scheme aims not only to make affordable insurance solutions more accessible but also to enhance women’s participation in economic activities.
Key Benefits of the Bima Sakhis Scheme:
• Economic Empowerment of Women: Bima Sakhis will achieve financial independence by becoming micro-entrepreneurs within their villages.
• Job Creation and Female Workforce Participation: The initiative will create new income opportunities and boost the involvement of women in the rural workforce.
• Flexible and Inclusive Insurance Network: Communities will benefit from a localized, reliable, and affordable insurance ecosystem.
Officials noted that this partnership marks the beginning of a broader effort to transform the Bima Sakhi initiative into a nationwide movement. The active involvement of state governments, skill development missions, and rural communities will play a vital role in scaling up the programme.
