PM Modi Emphasizes 'Universal Insurance' as Pillar of Social Security During Bima Sakhi Yojana Launch in Panipat

In Panipat, on December 9 (NationPress), Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared that 'universal insurance' is fundamental to achieving social security and a vital instrument for combating poverty. He officially launched the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' in this Haryana city, which also served as the launch site for the 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' initiative on January 22, 2015.

The 'Bima Sakhi Yojana' represents an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) aimed at empowering women aged 18 to 70 years who have completed Class X education. This program embodies the government's dedication to promoting gender equality and uplifting women across various sectors.

During the event, PM Modi distributed appointment certificates to future Bima Sakhis, under the 'Bima Sakhi Yojana', which aims to generate employment for two lakh women.

Addressing attendees, PM Modi remarked, 'The importance of the Bima Sakhi Yojana goes beyond the income it generates; it contributes significantly to our nation’s progress. Universal insurance is crucial for social security and eradicating poverty.'

He further stated, 'Our government has implemented unprecedented measures for women's empowerment over the past decade. I am delighted to launch the Bima Sakhi Yojana today and inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects in Panipat.'

PM Modi highlighted, 'Today, India is taking another significant step toward women's empowerment. This day is noteworthy for several reasons. The 9th is considered auspicious in our scriptures, representing the nine powers of Nav Durga. Furthermore, December 9 marks the first meeting of the Constituent Assembly. As our country celebrates 75 years of the Constitution, this date inspires us to ensure that equality and development reach everyone.'

Praising the BJP government in Haryana, led by Nayab Singh Saini, he commended the people of Haryana as patriots who have embraced the motto 'Ek hain to safe hain' (When united, we are secure), which has become a model for the entire nation.

'Years ago, I had the honor of launching the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign here in Panipat. Its positive effects have been felt not just in Haryana, but across the country. Now, a decade later, we are introducing the Bima Sakhi Yojana for our sisters and daughters from this land of Panipat, making it a symbol of women's empowerment.'

Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, speaking at the event, noted, 'In Haryana, PM Modi has championed women's inclusion in combat roles within the armed forces. As a result, women are now handling weapons and commanding submarines, with army schools enrolling women since 2022. This is all thanks to the PM's initiatives.'

She highlighted that between 2017-18 and 2023, the number of women agents has significantly increased, from six lakh in 2017 to 7.45 lakh today.

However, she pointed out that only 28 out of every 100 LIC agents are women, implying that among 2,800 agents, only 28 are female.

'I believe this initiative, also referred to as the Women Career Agent Program, is a crucial stride towards women's empowerment. PM Modi will appoint 25,000 women as Bima Sakhis as part of this program.'

Additionally, PM Modi laid the groundwork for the main campus of Maharana Pratap Horticultural University in Karnal. This campus, along with six regional research stations covering 495 acres, represents an investment of over Rs 700 crore.

The university will feature one college dedicated to horticulture for graduate and postgraduate studies, along with five schools that encompass ten horticultural disciplines. It aims to promote crop diversification and advance world-class research in horticultural technologies.