Impact of Bima Sakhi Yojana on Women and IAS Preparation

1. Introduction to Bima Sakhi Yojana

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana on 9th December 2024 in Panipat, Haryana, the symbolic land of Nari Shakti.
• The scheme, initiated by LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India), focuses on empowering women through financial independence and employment.
• It aims to support women aged 18-70 years, particularly from rural and deprived communities.

2. Objectives of the Scheme

• Employment Opportunities:
  • Aims to recruit 2 lakh women as LIC agents in the next three years.
• Financial Inclusion:
  • Encourages women’s participation in the insurance sector and promotes economic independence.
• Social Security:
  • Contributes to the “Insurance for All” mission, ensuring access to insurance across the nation.

3. Key Features of Bima Sakhi Yojana

• Eligibility:
  • Women must be 10th pass and aged between 18 and 70 years.
• Training and Support:
  • Women will receive special training to become LIC agents.
  • Financial assistance will be provided for three years:
    • ₹7,000 per month in the first year.
    • ₹6,000 per month in the second year.
    • ₹5,000 per month in the third year.
• Additional Income:
  • Agents can earn commissions on insurance policies.
  • An LIC agent’s average earnings are around ₹15,000 per month.
  • Bima Sakhis are expected to earn ₹1.75 lakh annually, providing additional family income.

4. Importance of Women’s Participation in the Insurance Sector

• In 2017, there were 6 lakh women LIC agents; by 2023, this number increased to 7.45 lakh.
• Women now make up 28% of all LIC agents.
• Bima Sakhi Yojana aims to further improve women’s representation in the insurance sector.

5. Impact of Women Empowerment Initiatives

• Self-Help Groups: Women-led initiatives like Krishi Sakhis (agriculture guides) and Pashu Sakhis (animal husbandry guides) are inspiring models of empowerment.
  • 70,000 Krishi Sakhis and 1.25 lakh Pashu Sakhis are actively contributing to rural development.
• Financial Inclusion:
  • Over 30 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened for women, providing them access to banking services.

6. Broader Vision of Nari Shakti in India

• Women are becoming leaders in diverse fields, including:
  • Armed Forces: Women now serve on the frontlines and as fighter pilots.
  • Business: Many women lead producer associations and cooperatives in farming and animal husbandry.
  • Police Forces: Increasing recruitment of women in law enforcement.

7. Linking Women Empowerment to National Development

• Initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Ujjwala Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission have transformed women’s lives:
  • 11.6 crore toilets constructed under Swachh Bharat Mission.
  • 10.3 crore LPG connections provided under Ujjwala Yojana.
  • 15.1 crore rural families given clean drinking water connections under Jal Jeevan Mission.
• These efforts have improved women’s safety, health, and overall quality of life.

8. Foundation Stone of Horticulture University in Haryana

• PM Modi laid the foundation stone for Maharana Pratap Horticulture University in Karnal, Haryana.
  • Spread over 495 acres with 6 regional research centers at a cost of ₹700 crore.
  • The university will play a key role in making Haryana a leader in horticulture, similar to its role during the Green Revolution.

9. Vision for 2047: Viksit Bharat

• Women are seen as the key drivers of India’s development.
• By removing obstacles and providing opportunities, women can lead India toward becoming a developed nation by 2047.
• PM Modi emphasized that Nari Shakti will serve as the pillar of a stronger and more prosperous India.