Panipat, Haryana: In a landmark event celebrating women’s empowerment and agricultural advancement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana under the aegis of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and laid the foundation stone for the Main Campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, Haryana. The event took place in Panipat and witnessed an enthusiastic gathering of dignitaries and citizens.
The Bima Sakhi Yojana aims to empower women by creating employment opportunities in the insurance sector. Targeting women aged 18 to 70 who have completed at least Class X, the initiative will provide specialized training and a stipend for the first three years. Upon completion of the training, participants will serve as LIC agents, with the potential to rise to Development Officer roles.
Speaking at the event, PM Modi underscored the importance of women’s participation in building a developed India by 2047. “To empower women, it is essential to provide ample opportunities and eliminate barriers in their path. The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a significant step toward this goal,” he said. He added that the initiative aims to employ 2 lakh women, with each participant earning an average annual income of ₹1.75 lakh.
PM Modi lauded women’s contributions to self-help groups, agriculture, and banking through roles like Krishi Sakhi, Pashu Sakhi, and Bank Sakhi. He noted that such initiatives are transforming rural economies, enhancing social harmony, and fostering financial independence.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal, which will bolster Haryana’s role as an agricultural leader. The university will span 495 acres with six regional research stations, built at an estimated cost of ₹700 crore.
The university will feature a College of Horticulture for graduate and post-graduate studies and five schools covering ten horticultural disciplines. It will focus on crop diversification, cutting-edge research, and technological advancements to revolutionize horticulture practices in India.
Highlighting the significance of the date, December 9, PM Modi remarked that it resonates with India’s cultural and historical legacy, associated with the nine forms of Goddess Durga and the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly in 1946. “This day inspires us to pursue equality and holistic development,” he said.
The Prime Minister recalled launching the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign from Panipat years ago, which has yielded significant results in improving the lives of thousands of daughters across the country. He expressed pride in initiating the Bima Sakhi Yojana from the same city, symbolizing women’s empowerment.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, emphasizing the need to harness the potential of Nari Shakti. He highlighted initiatives such as Jan Dhan accounts, which have enabled financial independence for 30 crore women, and other welfare schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.
“Women are breaking barriers, joining the armed forces, becoming fighter pilots, leading corporations, and excelling in sports and education. Initiatives like the Bima Sakhi Yojana will further this momentum, ensuring that women play a pivotal role in India’s progress,” PM Modi added.
The Prime Minister emphasized the transformative role of self-help groups in rural India. Over the last decade, 10 crore women have joined such groups, with government assistance exceeding ₹8 lakh crore. Initiatives like Lakhpati Didi and Drone Didi have empowered women to explore new opportunities and contribute significantly to rural and agricultural development.
PM Modi concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the women of Haryana for their role in shaping a progressive state. He assured rapid development under the joint efforts of the central and state governments and expressed optimism about Haryana’s growing contribution to the nation’s progress.
The event was graced by Haryana Governor Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Chief Minister Shri Nayab Singh Saini, Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, and Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Shri Manohar Lal, among other notable leaders.
With the launch of Bima Sakhi Yojana and the establishment of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University, India takes another step forward in empowering women and strengthening its agricultural foundations, setting the stage for a brighter, more inclusive future.
