The Ministry of Rural Development has entered into a significant partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) to realize the Government of India’s vision of ‘Insurance for All by 2047’, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, announced on Saturday.
“We have accomplished the historic launch of the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This scheme is not only a major step toward women’s empowerment but also toward providing economic security to rural and semi-urban India. The central government is committed to making every woman in the country self-reliant and economically empowered,” he stated in an official release.
The Minister described the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ as a robust platform for women’s entrepreneurship and financial independence, underscoring the government’s commitment to the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ set forth by Prime Minister Modi.
As part of the financial inclusion initiative under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM), trained women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) across the country will be appointed as ‘Bima Sakhis’ at the Gram Panchayat level.
Chouhan emphasized that the ‘Bima Sakhi’ scheme is creating new employment opportunities in both urban and rural areas, particularly at the grassroots level, while enhancing women’s participation in the workforce. Within this inclusive insurance ecosystem, Bima Sakhis will not only expand access to insurance schemes but also provide trust-based services to the last mile.
He further noted that the initiative aligns with key government priorities and complements flagship schemes such as Jan-Dhan Se Jan Suraksha, Digital India, and Women Skill Development. By contributing to disaster resilience as well, the scheme aims to act as a financial shield for rural families affected by natural calamities.
“Bima Sakhis are not just insurance agents, but pioneers of social change. They are carrying the torch of financial security to every village, thereby strengthening rural economies and empowering women,” Chouhan added.
The Union Minister also urged all states and partner organizations to support this people’s movement and help extend the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ to every village and household across the country.
“The ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ is a transformational initiative. Through this program, we aim to contribute significantly to building a resilient, inclusive, and insured India. It will provide a fresh impetus to the economic security and holistic development of our rural mothers and sisters,” he concluded.