BC Sakhi Yojana Transforms Rural India: Over 50,000 Women Empowered in Uttar Pradesh

The BC Sakhi Yojana, launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in May 2020, is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the financial landscape of rural India. By training women as banking correspondents, the scheme bridges the gap between remote communities and formal banking services. Beyond financial inclusion, it is driving social change by empowering women to become financially independent and respected figures in their villages.

Doorstep Banking Brings Convenience to Villages

In many rural areas, accessing basic banking services often meant travelling several kilometres to the nearest branch, incurring both time and expense. The BC Sakhi Yojana changes that narrative. 

These women, now known as ‘Banking Correspondent Sakhis’, bring essential banking services directly to people’s doorsteps. From cash withdrawals and deposits to pension disbursals and balance enquiries, villagers now enjoy services once considered a luxury in their localities. This doorstep model has not only simplified access but also nurtured greater trust in formal banking channels.

Training and Eligibility for BC Sakhis

To become a BC Sakhi, candidates must meet a few basic requirements. Each aspirant must have completed at least Class 10 and possess basic computer literacy. Selected women undergo rigorous training, jointly administered by financial institutions such as Bank of Baroda, UCO Bank, and Uttar Pradesh Consultancy Organisation Ltd (UPCON).

Training is conducted through Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), and certification is granted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance (IIBF). This ensures that each BC Sakhi is fully equipped to handle financial transactions with precision and accountability.

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Women Taking Charge of Rural Banking

The scheme is far more than a financial intervention; it is a powerful instrument of social transformation. Many BC Sakhis were previously confined to domestic roles. Today, they are respected financial intermediaries and active earners. Collectively, these women have enabled transactions worth over ₹31,626 crore and have earned ₹85.81 crore in service-based incentives.

Their involvement is not only raising household incomes but also promoting digital and financial literacy within their communities. Through their day-to-day work, they are demystifying digital payments and encouraging savings, especially among women and the elderly.

Building Self-Reliant Villages Through Policy

By addressing two critical issues, employment and access to financial services the BC Sakhi Yojana is reshaping rural development. It aligns with the larger vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) by nurturing self-sustaining communities where both men and women contribute to the local economy.

The model also highlights how a focused, inclusive policy can generate tangible results on the ground. From empowering over 50,000 women to processing thousands of daily transactions, the scheme serves as a blueprint for similar initiatives nationwide.

Conclusion

The BC Sakhi Yojana stands at the intersection of empowerment and inclusion. It is not just enabling financial access but transforming rural society by positioning women as catalysts of change. As the scheme continues to expand, it holds the potential to redefine village-level banking and set a benchmark for socially-driven governance models across India.

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