In a landmark move to empower women and promote financial independence, the Government of Goa, under the leadership of Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, has introduced the Bima Sakhi Yojana—a progressive initiative in collaboration with the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC). With a focus on economic upliftment and skill development, the scheme aims to provide women with both income-generating opportunities and a platform to drive financial awareness across communities.
A Vision Rooted in Financial Inclusion
The Bima Sakhi Yojana aligns with the Central Government’s mission of “insurance for all,” a vision championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. After a successful pilot rollout in Haryana, Goa became the second state to implement this transformative initiative in December 2024.
Targeting women aged 18 to 70 who have completed at least Class 10, the scheme offers them a chance to become LIC insurance agents. With a nationwide goal of onboarding 200,000 women agents over the next three years, the program focuses on equipping women with the skills and resources to serve as financial advisors and community influencers—all while earning a stable income.
CM Pramod Sawant’s Vision for Empowerment
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has played a crucial role in introducing and supporting the initiative in Goa. At the scheme’s launch, he emphasized the importance of integrating women into the financial ecosystem—not just as beneficiaries but as active agents of change.
“Bima Sakhi Yojana empowers women financially and socially. It creates a ripple effect that strengthens families, communities, and the state as a whole,” Sawant noted.
The scheme particularly targets rural women, bridging the gap between underbanked areas and formal financial services. It represents a bold step toward Swayampurna Goa 2.0, the state’s broader initiative to build a self-reliant and inclusive economy.
Training, Financial Support & Career Growth
One of the standout features of the Bima Sakhi Yojana is the structured financial support it offers to new agents:
₹7,000/month stipend in the first year
₹6,000/month in the second year
₹5,000/month in the third year
This three-year support structure enables women to learn the ropes of the insurance industry while enjoying a dependable income. In addition, agents who successfully sell 24 life insurance policies can earn a commission of ₹48,000, encouraging them to stay engaged and build their client base.
High-performing agents will also be eligible for career advancement opportunities within LIC, including development officer roles—making this more than just a side hustle, but a genuine career path.
Stories That Inspire: Women at the Forefront
The impact of the Bima Sakhi Yojana is already evident in the stories of early adopters:
Gauri Suresh Naik, a student from Merces village, shared how the scheme has enabled her to earn while continuing her education.
“This initiative gave me the financial freedom to focus on my studies and boosted my confidence,” she said.
Sulbha Dattatray Karpe from Banastarim village sees it as an ideal part-time opportunity with real benefits.
“I encourage other women to join. You earn while you learn—and you grow,” she added.
These women are not just earning—they are inspiring others and reshaping the role of women in Goa’s economic narrative.
Beyond Employment: Promoting Financial Literacy
The scheme is also a powerful vehicle for financial education. By training women to become insurance agents, the government is creating a grassroots movement that spreads financial awareness—especially in underserved and rural communities.
These new agents, known as Bima Sakhis, will serve as ambassadors of financial literacy, helping families understand the importance of life insurance, savings, and long-term financial planning.
Expanding Opportunities Through Self-Help Groups
The Bima Sakhi Yojana complements other women-centric initiatives in Goa, including the Rural Livelihood Mission, which provides up to ₹20 lakh in financial support to women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
At the scheme’s launch, CM Sawant addressed more than 1,000 SHG members, urging them to capitalize on this opportunity for economic and personal growth.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Women’s Empowerment
The Bima Sakhi Yojana is more than a government scheme—it is a transformational force. By bringing women into the financial mainstream and giving them tools for independence, it helps build a stronger, more inclusive economy.
With continued momentum, this initiative has the potential to become a national model for women’s empowerment through financial literacy and entrepreneurship. In Goa and beyond, it’s enabling thousands of women to take control of their financial futures—one policy, one conversation, and one empowered life at a time.
