Bima Sakhi Yojana 6
(Understanding the Women-Led Insurance Facilitation Scheme in Rural India)
The Government of India has been continuously working to improve access to financial protection and social security in rural areas. One of the innovative initiatives in this direction is the Bima Sakhi Yojana, also known as Bima Sahayak Scheme, designed to enhance awareness and enrollment in insurance schemes at the grassroots level. The objective of this program is to empower local women (especially SHG members) to act as facilitators or “Sakhis” who help people enroll in government-backed insurance schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and similar affordable risk-coverage programs.
This article provides an in-depth understanding of Bima Sakhi Yojana, including its purpose, features, benefits, operational framework, eligibility for Sakhis, training system, income model, implementation, challenges, and future potential. It is ideal for bloggers, financial consultants, students, and individuals interested in government schemes, women empowerment, rural livelihood, and insurance penetration.
What is Bima Sakhi Yojana?
The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a women-centric initiative under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), in collaboration with insurance companies and financial institutions, to increase rural insurance penetration. Here, women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) are trained and appointed as Insurance Facilitators or Sakhis, who guide villagers through:
- Awareness creation about insurance schemes
- Enrollment assistance
- Documentation support
- Premium collection
- Claim assistance
The concept is similar to Bank Sakhi, Krishi Sakhi, Poshan Sakhi, etc., where trained local women are positioned to assist in specific developmental sectors.
Objective of Bima Sakhi Yojana
The main objectives of this scheme include:
| Objective | Description |
|---|---|
| Increase Insurance Awareness | Educating rural people on importance of life and accident insurance |
| Boost Enrollment | Increasing subscriber base for central & state insurance schemes |
| Women Empowerment | Providing livelihood opportunities to rural women |
| Claim Facilitation | Support during claim process to reduce rejection rates |
| Financial Inclusion | Promoting risk mitigation through affordable schemes |
Background: Why This Scheme Was Needed?
Several issues were identified in rural insurance outreach:
- Lack of financial literacy
- Low penetration of insurance products
- Complicated claim process
- Unawareness of government schemes
- Dependency on middlemen
- High rejection of claims due to incorrect documents
To overcome these challenges, government decided to train local women leaders who already have grassroots connections. The success of “Bank Sakhi” in rural banking inspired the launch of “Insurance Sakhi”.
Schemes Covered Under Bima Sakhi Yojana
Bima Sakhi facilitates enrollment for:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) – Life cover of ₹2 lakh at ₹436 annual premium
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) – Accidental cover of ₹2 lakh at ₹20 premium
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana
- State insurance welfare schemes
- Micro insurance products from LIC / private companies
Additionally, Sakhis can also facilitate farm insurance and livestock insurance depending on regional demand.
Key Features of Bima Sakhi Yojana
- Women-led micro insurance facilitation model
- Doorstep insurance enrollment
- Training through NRLM or State Rural Livelihood Missions
- On-field support for claim documentation
- Fixed as well as performance-based remuneration
- Collaboration with banks, LIC, and insurance providers
- Digital application submission using mobile apps
- Focus on low-premium, high-impact schemes
Eligibility Criteria to Become a Bima Sakhi
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Gender | Women only |
| Age | 18 to 50 years |
| Membership | Must be part of Self-Help Group (SHG) |
| Education | Minimum 10th standard preferred |
| Residence | Must be from same village or panchayat |
| Communication Skill | Good with local language |
| Financial Understanding | Basic knowledge required |
Women already engaged as Bank Sakhis, Krishi Sakhis, or Digital Sakhis are given preference.
Training Provided Under Bima Sakhi Yojana
Training typically consists of:
- Basics of Insurance and Risk Management
- Understanding PMJJBY and PMSBY
- Field mobilization techniques
- Digital documentation and app usage
- Claim processing support methods
- Communication and customer service training
Training is conducted by State Livelihood Missions, banks, insurance companies, and NGOs.
Roles and Responsibilities of Bima Sakhi
- Awareness meetings in village / SHG groups
- Assist beneficiaries with enrollment forms
- Collect KYC and supportive documents
- Guide on premium payment
- Monitor annual renewal
- Help families during claim settlements
- Maintain register of enrolled members
- Liaise with banks and insurance offices
Income Model: How Bima Sakhi Earns?
Bima Sakhis receive compensation through:
| Income Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Commission | For every new subscriber under PMJJBY/PMSBY |
| Renewal Incentives | Annual renewal based earnings |
| Claim Support Fees | Additional income per claim assisted |
| Fixed Monthly Honorarium | Provided by rural mission in some states |
| Performance Bonus | State-level rewards for best performers |
Typically, a Sakhi can earn ₹5,000 to ₹10,000 per month, depending on coverage area and scheme penetration.
Beneficiaries of Bima Sakhi Yojana
Primary target groups:
- Farmers
- Daily wage laborers
- SHG members
- BPL families
- Small business owners
- Rural women and self-employed individuals
- Migrant workers
- Elderly without pension coverage
Application Process to Become Bima Sakhi
- Approach Block-level NRLM Office or Gram Panchayat
- Submit application via SHG group
- Attend orientation meeting
- Participate in training
- Pass evaluation test
- Receive ID card, tablet/mobile access
- Begin field engagement
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card (if necessary)
- Residence Proof
- SHG Membership Proof
- Passport photo
- Educational certificate
Digital Support
Many states offer mobile apps for enrollment and renewal tracking:
- Online tracking of member policy status
- Aadhaar-linked premium tracking
- Claim support through portal
- SMS-based renewal reminders
Advantages of Bima Sakhi Yojana
| Advantage | Impact |
|---|---|
| Local presence | High trust and easy access |
| Women empowerment | Income source and esteem |
| Better awareness | More insurance literacy |
| Faster documentation | Low rejection in claims |
| Easy renewals | Increased policy duration |
Challenges in Implementation
- Rural digital divide
- Cultural resistance to insurance
- Claim delays due to poor documentation
- Limited mobility of Sakhis
- High dependency on banks for premium clearance
Comparison With Earlier Approach
| Traditional Insurance Model | Bima Sakhi Model |
|---|---|
| Outsiders visit village | Local women operate |
| Low trust | High trust |
| Poor documentation | Better accuracy |
| High claim rejection | Lower rejection |
| No local support | Full-time support |
Impact Assessment
Initial pilot projects have shown:
- 30–40% rise in PMJJBY/PMSBY enrollment
- Improved claim resolution time
- Increased participation of rural women in financial activities
- Higher insurance penetration among low-income communities
Government and Institutional Involvement
- Ministry of Rural Development
- NABARD
- State Livelihood Missions
- Life Insurance Corporation (LIC)
- Nationalised banks
- Private insurers (for micro-insurance products)
Future Roadmap
The government aims to scale up Bima Sakhi initiative in all Indian states by:
- Integrating with Jan Dhan accounts
- Introducing mobile claim support
- Offering pension and health insurance integration
- Linking with Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Mission
- Enhancing artificial intelligence-based tracking
1. What is Bima Sakhi Yojana?
It is a rural insurance facilitation program where trained women help villagers enroll in government insurance schemes.
2. Who can apply?
Any SHG woman aged 18–50 years with basic education.
3. How much income they earn?
Around ₹5,000–₹10,000 monthly depending on performance.
4. Which insurance schemes are covered?
Mainly PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY, and state schemes.
5. Where to apply?
At Gram Panchayat, NRLM office, or via SHG cluster facilitator.
The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a strategic step toward strengthening financial inclusion and women empowerment in rural India. By utilizing the existing SHG network, the scheme ensures deep penetration of low-cost insurance products, reducing financial vulnerability among rural households.
This initiative not only safeguards families against unexpected losses but also creates sustainable livelihood opportunities for women. If properly scaled, Bima Sakhi can become a vital catalyst in making India a socially secure and economically resilient nation.
- Bima Sakhi is more than an insurance facilitator.
- She acts as financial advisor, social influencer, and support responder in difficult times.
- The success of this program can transform rural financial security across India.