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ToggleLIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana Launched by PM Modi: A Boost for Women’s Financial Security
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today launched the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ of Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) in Panipat, Haryana, reinforcing his commitment to women empowerment and financial inclusion. During the event, he also laid the foundation stone for the Main Campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Modi emphasized that India is taking another significant step towards empowering women. He noted that the 9th day of the month is considered auspicious in Indian scriptures, associated with the nine forms of Nav Durga worshipped during Navratri, making it a fitting day to celebrate Nari Shakti.
The Prime Minister recalled that the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly was held on December 9th, and as India celebrates 75 years of the Constitution, this date inspires us to strive for equality and holistic development.
Shri Modi praised Haryana as a land of great ethical and religious knowledge, especially during the International Gita Jayanti Mahotsav in Kurukshetra. He expressed his respect for the land of Gita and greeted the patriotic people of Haryana, commending them for adopting the mantra ‘Ek hain to Safe hain,’ which has become an example for the entire country.
Expressing his deep connection with Haryana, the Prime Minister thanked the people for electing his government for the third consecutive term. He highlighted the state’s progress, noting that thousands of youths have secured permanent jobs without corruption. Shri Modi also thanked the women of Haryana for their support and congratulated them on the launch of the Bima Sakhi scheme, which provides employment opportunities for women.
Reflecting on the success of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign launched from Panipat, Shri Modi noted its positive impact in Haryana and across India. He remarked that the Bima Sakhi Yojana, launched today, will further empower women and symbolize Panipat as a beacon of women power.
Highlighting India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, Shri Modi emphasized the importance of harnessing the energy of every class and region. He identified Nari Shakti, represented by women self-help groups and various ‘Sakhi’ initiatives, as a crucial source of energy for achieving this vision.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to provide ample opportunities and remove obstacles to empower women. He highlighted the government’s efforts to open up jobs previously forbidden for women, noting that Indian daughters are now serving in the front lines of the army, becoming fighter pilots, joining the police force, and leading corporate companies. He also mentioned the significant role of women-led producer associations and cooperative societies in agriculture and cattle rearing.
Shri Modi emphasized that the foundation of the Bima Sakhi programme is based on years of hard work. He expressed pride in the 30 crore women accounts opened under the Jan Dhan Yojana, ensuring that subsidies reach the responsible hands of families. He lauded the role of Bank Sakhis in providing banking services in every village and teaching people about saving and loans.
The Prime Minister announced the campaign to make lakhs of women insurance agents or Bima Sakhis, aiming to provide employment opportunities to 2 lakh women. He highlighted that girls who have completed their class 10 will receive training and financial support under the Bima Sakhi Yojana. Shri Modi noted that Bima Sakhis will earn a substantial income, contributing to their families’ financial stability.
Shri Modi emphasized the broader impact of Bima Sakhis, aiming for ‘Insurance for All’ to ensure social security and eradicate poverty. He highlighted the success of Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojanas, which have insured over 20 crore people and provided significant claim amounts.
The Prime Minister concluded by praising the transformative role of women self-help groups in India’s rural economy. He highlighted the government’s support for these groups, which have empowered 10 crore women and received over 8 lakh crore rupees in assistance. Shri Modi lauded the extraordinary contributions of women in making India the third-largest economic power and strengthening social harmony and justice.
Shri Modi also recounted his announcement to make 3 crore Lakhpati Didis, with over 1 crore 15 lakh women already earning more than one lakh rupees annually. He noted the support from the Namo Drone Didi Yojana, transforming agriculture and women’s lives in Haryana.
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi highlighted the significant training of thousands of Krishi Sakhis to raise awareness about modern and natural farming practices across India. He noted that around 70,000 Krishi Sakhis have already received certificates, enabling them to earn over 60,000 rupees annually. Discussing Pashu Sakhis, Shri Modi mentioned that more than 1.25 lakh Pashu Sakhis are now part of the animal husbandry awareness campaign.
He emphasized that these roles are not just employment opportunities but also a great service to humanity. Krishi Sakhis are working to save the earth for future generations by promoting natural farming, while Pashu Sakhis are serving humanity by caring for animals.
Shri Modi emphasized the love and support from the women of India, noting that his government has built over 12 crore toilets in the past decade, significantly benefiting women without access to sanitation. Additionally, free gas cylinder connections have been provided to crores of women who lacked them 10 years ago. The government has also ensured tap water connections and pucca houses for women in need. The Prime Minister highlighted the enactment of legislation ensuring 33 percent reservation for women in the Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha, stating that such honest efforts with the right intentions will earn the blessings of mothers and sisters.
Highlights of BIma Sakhi Yojana
Addressing the welfare of farmers, Shri Modi underscored that Haryana’s farmers received over 1.25 lakh crore rupees as MSP in the first two terms, and an additional 14,000 crore rupees for paddy, millet, and moong farmers in the third term. Over 800 crore rupees were also provided to drought-affected farmers. He praised Chaudhary Charan Singh University’s role in the Green Revolution and highlighted Maharana Pratap University’s future role in making Haryana a leader in horticulture. The foundation stone for the new campus of Maharana Pratap Horticulture University was laid, promising new facilities for students.
Concluding his address, Shri Modi assured the women of Haryana that the state would develop rapidly, with the Center and State Governments working three times faster in their third term. He expressed confidence in the growing role of women power in Haryana.
The event was attended by Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs and Power Shri Manohar Lal, Minister of State for Cooperation Shri Krishan Pal, and other dignitaries.
Background: Bima Sakhi Yojana
The ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ initiative by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) aims to empower women aged 18-70 years who have completed Class X. These women will receive specialized training and a stipend for three years to promote financial literacy and insurance awareness. After training, they can serve as LIC agents, with opportunities to qualify for Development Officer roles.
The Main Campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, along with six regional research stations spread over 495 acres, will be established at a cost of over Rs 700 crore. The University will feature a College of Horticulture for Graduate and Post-Graduate studies and five schools covering 10 horticulture disciplines. It will focus on crop diversification and world-class research for developing horticulture technologies.
हरियाणा में तीसरी बार डबल इंजन की सरकार बनने के बाद किसान भाई-बहनों के कल्याण के लिए ऐसे बड़े कदम उठाए गए हैं… pic.twitter.com/KQY20FR5rp
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) December 9, 2024