Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Saturday hailed the launch of the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ as a historic step towards women’s empowerment and economic security in rural and semi-urban India. Speaking at the event, he credited the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for driving this transformative initiative, which aligns with the government’s ‘Insurance for All by 2047’ mission.
The Ministry of Rural Development, in partnership with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), will appoint trained women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as ‘Bima Sakhis’ at the Gram Panchayat level under the National Rural Livelihoods Mission’s financial inclusion initiative. These Bima Sakhis will promote insurance schemes, deliver trust-based services to remote areas, and foster financial independence among rural women. Chouhan emphasized that the scheme not only supports entrepreneurship but also advances the Lakhpati Didi Mission, with a target of creating 2 crore (20 million) Lakhpati Didis by August 15.
Describing the Bima Sakhi Yojana as a powerful platform for women’s entrepreneurship, the Minister highlighted its role in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and strengthening the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’ The initiative is expected to boost local employment, enhance women’s workforce participation, and provide a financial shield for rural families, particularly in disaster-affected areas. It also aligns with government programs like Jan-Dhan Se Jan Suraksha and Digital India, while supporting women’s skill development.
Chouhan called Bima Sakhis “pioneers of social change,” noting their role in expanding access to insurance and fostering economic resilience in villages. He urged states and partner organizations to join this movement to ensure the scheme reaches every household, contributing to a resilient and inclusive India.