PM Modi Launches ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in Panipat to Empower Women and Promote Social Security
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday launched the much-awaited ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ in Panipat, Haryana, emphasizing the importance of insurance for all as a key factor in promoting social security and eradicating poverty. This initiative, launched by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC), is designed to empower women aged 18-70 years who have completed Class X, and aligns with the government’s ongoing efforts to empower women and promote gender equality.
The ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ aims to provide employment opportunities for two lakh women across India, as part of the government’s commitment to gender empowerment. During the launch event, PM Modi distributed appointment certificates to prospective Bima Sakhis, marking the beginning of this transformative initiative.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the significance of the scheme, stating, “The ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana’ is not only about the income it generates for women but also about its contribution to the nation’s development. Insurance for all is a vital pillar of social security and is crucial for eliminating poverty.” He also expressed his satisfaction over the continued steps taken by his government for women’s empowerment over the past decade.
Speaking on the auspicious occasion, PM Modi referred to December 9 as a significant day in Indian history, drawing attention to its association with various milestones, including the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. He said, “Today, as we celebrate 75 years of the Constitution, this date inspires us to work towards creating an inclusive environment for equality and development.”
Praising the BJP-led Haryana government, headed by Nayab Singh Saini, PM Modi commended the people of Haryana for embracing the mantra of unity and safety: “Ek hain to safe hain” (When we are united, we are safe). He also reflected on his previous visit to Panipat, where he had launched the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign in 2015, which had a positive impact across India. He noted that with the launch of the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana,’ Panipat had become a symbol of women’s power.
Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman also addressed the gathering, highlighting the progress made under PM Modi’s leadership in promoting women’s participation in combat roles in the armed forces. She noted that women now serve in various critical roles, including commanding submarines and handling rifles. Sitharaman further acknowledged the significant growth in the number of female LIC agents, from 6 lakh in 2017 to 7.45 lakh today, although she pointed out that only 28 out of every 100 LIC agents are women, underscoring the need for initiatives like the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana.’
Under the initiative, 25,000 women will be appointed as ‘Bima Sakhis,’ advancing the government’s goal of supporting women’s careers in the insurance sector. Sitharaman also commended the initiative for its role in empowering women economically and socially.
In addition to launching the ‘Bima Sakhi Yojana,’ PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal. The university, which will be spread across 495 acres, is expected to cost over ₹700 crore. It will focus on crop diversification and world-class research in horticulture, providing graduate and post-graduate studies in horticulture and research across 10 disciplines.
The launch of these projects reflects the government’s commitment to advancing the development of women, education, and agriculture in Haryana and across the nation.
