Empowering Rural Women: A Deep Dive into the Bima Sakhi Scheme

The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has launched the groundbreaking Bima Sakhi Scheme, a significant step towards women's empowerment, financial inclusion, and rural employment. This initiative aims to create a robust network of women insurance agents at the grassroots level, furthering the national goal of "Insurance for All by 2047".

A Vision for an Insured India

Launched in Panipat, Haryana, on December 9, 2024, the Bima Sakhi Scheme is a collaborative effort implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and supported by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD). The scheme is strategically designed to bolster employment, enhance skill development, and promote financial awareness and economic resilience, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas. It directly aligns with major government missions focused on financial inclusion, disaster protection, and women's entrepreneurship.

Who is a Bima Sakhi?

A "Bima Sakhi" is a woman agent who will serve at the Gram Panchayat level, with a special focus on Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and other self-help networks.

Key Objectives of the Scheme:

• Women's empowerment

• Financial inclusion

• Generation of rural employment

• Achieving the vision of "Insurance for All by 2047"

Eligibility and Benefits

The scheme targets women between the ages of 18 and 70 who have passed at least the 10th standard. Preference is given to members of rural Self-Help Groups.

Financial Incentives for Bima Sakhis:

• Year 1: A monthly stipend of ₹7,000.

• Year 2: A monthly stipend of ₹6,000, contingent on maintaining a 65% policy in-force requirement.

• Year 3: A monthly stipend of ₹5,000, also with a minimum 65% policy in-force requirement.

• Commission: Potential to earn a commission of up to ₹48,000 per year, excluding any bonus.

Training and Career Progression

LIC provides comprehensive training covering financial literacy, marketing, and insurance awareness. Upon successful completion of their training, Bima Sakhis become eligible for a career as an LIC agent and may even be considered for future roles as Development Officers.

National Goals and Recent Developments

This initiative is a cornerstone of the government's plan to create 2 crore "Lakhpati Didis" by August 15 and to appoint two lakh "Bima Sakhis" nationwide. In a significant move to expand the scheme, LIC and the MoRD signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) during the National Conclave on Financial Inclusion in Goa in July 2025. As of August 2025, this MoU is set to take the scheme to a national scale. The scheme also supports other national missions like Jan-Dhan, Jan Suraksha, Digital India, and the UN's Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality).

How to Apply

Interested and eligible women can apply for the Bima Sakhi Scheme online through the official LIC portal (licindia.in).

Required Documents:

• Aadhaar card

• PAN card

• Proof of education, age, and address

• Recent passport-size photograph

Ineligibility: Individuals who are relatives of current LIC employees or agents, retired employees, ex-agents, or are current agents themselves are not eligible to apply.

The Bima Sakhi Scheme stands as a testament to a progressive vision for India, where empowered women lead the charge in securing the financial future of their communities

Here are the answers to the one-liner questions, based on the Bima Sakhi

• When and where was the Bima Sakhi Scheme launched?

  The Bima Sakhi Scheme was launched on December 9, 2024, in Panipat, Haryana.

• Who launched the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  The scheme was launched by PM Narendra Modi2.

• Which organization is responsible for implementing the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is responsible for implementing the scheme.

• Which ministry is supporting the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  The Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Government of India, is supporting the scheme.

• What are the main objectives of the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  The main objectives are women's empowerment, financial inclusion, rural employment, and achieving "Insurance for All by 2047"

• Who are the target beneficiaries for the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  The target beneficiaries are women aged 18-70 with a minimum 10th-grade education, with a preference for members of rural Self-Help Groups (SHGs)

• What is the monthly stipend for a Bima Sakhi in the first year?

  The monthly stipend in the first year is ₹7,000

• What is the monthly stipend for a Bima Sakhi in the second year and its requirement?

  The stipend is ₹6,000 per month, with the requirement of keeping a minimum of 65% of policies in-force8.

• What is the monthly stipend for a Bima Sakhi in the third year and its associated condition?

  The stipend is ₹5,000 per month, also with the condition of maintaining a minimum 65% policy in-force requirement

• What is the maximum annual commission a Bima Sakhi can earn, excluding bonuses?

  A Bima Sakhi can earn a commission of up to ₹48,000 per year, excluding any bonus

• Who provides the training for Bima Sakhis?

  Training is provided by LIC

• What career opportunities are available after completing the Bima Sakhi training?

  After completion, they are eligible for an LIC agent career and may be considered for Development Officer roles

• Who is considered ineligible to apply for the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  Relatives of LIC employees/agents, retired employees, ex-agents, and current agents are ineligible

• What documents are required to apply for the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  Required documents include an Aadhaar card, PAN card, proof of education, age, and address, and a recent passport-size photo

• When and where was the MoU between LIC and MoRD for the scheme signed?

  The MoU was signed during the National Conclave on Financial Inclusion in Goa in July 2025

• What is the national goal for the number of "Lakhpati Didis" and "Bima Sakhis"?

  The government aims to create 2 crore "Lakhpati Didis" and appoint two lakh "Bima Sakhis"

• How can one apply for the Bima Sakhi Scheme?

  One can apply online through the official LIC portal at licindia.in

• At what administrative level do Bima Sakhis primarily serve?

  Bima Sakhis serve at the Gram Panchayat level.

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