Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana, marking a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to empower women and promote financial inclusion. Coinciding with the auspicious 9th day of the month, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal, emphasizing the importance of education and innovation for India’s development.
Key Highlights of the Event:
- Launch of LIC’s Bima Sakhi Yojana: A transformative initiative aimed at empowering women through financial literacy and employment.
- Foundation Stone of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal: A step toward advancing horticultural education and research in Haryana.
- Focus on Women Empowerment: PM Modi emphasized the government’s unwavering commitment to uplifting women in India.
What is the Bima Sakhi Yojana?
The Bima Sakhi Yojana, spearheaded by the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), is an initiative aimed at training women, aged 18–70, as insurance agents. The scheme focuses on:
- Eligibility: Women with a minimum qualification of Class X.
- Training and Stipend: Comprehensive training provided, along with a stipend for three years.
- Career Growth: Graduates can transition to roles such as Development Officers at LIC.
- Financial Empowerment: Women will earn an average annual income of ₹1.75 lakh, enhancing their economic stability.
PM Modi on Women’s Role in Development
PM Modi reiterated the importance of Nari Shakti in India’s journey toward becoming a developed nation by 2047. Key points highlighted by him include:
- Inclusion in Critical Roles: Women are now fighter pilots, police officers, and corporate leaders.
- Support Through Policies: Initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, extended maternity leave, and the recent 33% reservation for women in legislatures.
- Grassroots Transformation: The rise of roles like Bank Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi, and Pashu Sakhi has revolutionized rural economies and empowered millions of women.
Bima Sakhi: A Game-Changer for Women
The Bima Sakhi initiative is part of a broader effort to include women in India’s financial ecosystem. As LIC agents, these women will:
- Promote Financial Literacy: Educate families on saving, loans, and insurance benefits.
- Enhance Social Security: Support schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, which have already insured over 20 crore people.
Foundation of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Karnal
PM Modi also laid the foundation for Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, a ₹700 crore project aimed at:
- Academic Excellence: One College of Horticulture and five schools covering 10 disciplines.
- Research and Innovation: Cutting-edge studies on crop diversification and horticultural technologies.
- Boosting Local Economy: Promoting sustainable horticultural practices and providing opportunities for the youth.
Women Empowerment: A Decade of Transformation
Over the last 10 years, several revolutionary steps have been taken to uplift women, including:
- Infrastructure Support: 12 crore toilets and crores of free gas connections under schemes like Ujjwala Yojana.
- Economic Empowerment: Over ₹8 lakh crore provided to self-help groups, benefiting 10 crore women.
- Education and Employment: Training and certification of over 70,000 Krishi Sakhis and 1.25 lakh Pashu Sakhis.
Conclusion: A Vision for the Future
PM Modi’s initiatives, including the Bima Sakhi Yojana and the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, highlight a clear vision: empowering women, strengthening rural economies, and achieving sustainable growth. These transformative measures ensure that women are not just participants but leaders in India’s journey toward becoming a global economic powerhouse by 2047.
For Competitive Exams:
- Key Terms to Remember: Bima Sakhi Yojana, Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Nari Shakti, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.
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