In a landmark event that symbolizes women's empowerment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Bima Sakhi scheme in Panipat, Haryana, marking another significant milestone in the state's transformative journey towards gender equality and economic inclusion.
Women at the Forefront of Development
The Bima Sakhi scheme, launched by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), represents a groundbreaking initiative to create employment opportunities for women. The program aims to train and deploy 2 lakh women as insurance agents within three years, with each potential agent capable of earning at least ₹1.75 lakh annually.
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini highlighted the state's commitment to women's empowerment, emphasizing how Haryana has become a role model in creating opportunities for women. "Panipat's selection for launching women-centric initiatives reflects the significant strides we have made," Saini proclaimed during the event.
Transformative Initiatives Driving Change
The state has already made remarkable progress in women's development. Under the 'Lakhpati Didi' scheme, 1,45,773 women have achieved the milestone of earning ₹1 lakh annually. Additionally, the government is providing free drone pilot training to 5,000 women from 500 self-help groups, demonstrating a commitment to skill development.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman praised Haryana's exceptional performance, revealing that the 2024 Budget allocated ₹3.3 lakh crore for women-related schemes. She highlighted that 55% of Jan Dhan accounts and 70% of Mudra loans are held by women, underscoring the government's focus on women-led development.
Expanding Educational and Economic Opportunities
Over the past decade, Haryana has opened 77 government colleges, including 32 exclusively for girls, ensuring daughters can pursue higher education closer to home. The state has also formed 56,000 women self-help groups, enrolling 6,50,000 women and providing them with economic independence.
Prime Minister's Vision for Empowerment
PM Modi reflected on the journey of women's empowerment, reminding the audience of the transformation over the past decade. He emphasized how women now have access to toilets, gas connections, property rights, and increased representation in legislative bodies.
The Bima Sakhi scheme is not just a job creation program but a comprehensive approach to social security and economic empowerment. By providing training through LIC and creating pathways for financial independence, the initiative aims to accelerate the "Insurance for All" mission.