The LIC Bima Sakhi Yojana, also known as the Mahila Career Agent (MCA) Scheme, is an initiative by the Life Insurance Corporation of India aimed at empowering women by offering them employment opportunities as insurance agents. Launched recently by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme is designed to promote financial inclusion and create livelihood opportunities, particularly for women in rural and underserved areas.
Eligibility
The scheme is open to women aged between 18 and 70 years who have completed at least Class 10 education. However, women related to existing LIC agents or employees are not eligible to apply. Candidates must submit relevant documents, including proof of age, address, and education, along with their application.
Stipend Structure
The Bima Sakhi Yojana provides financial support to women for the first three years:
- Year 1: ₹7,000 per month.
- Year 2: ₹6,000 per month (conditional on at least 65% of policies remaining active from the first year).
- Year 3: ₹5,000 per month (conditional on maintaining 65% policy activity from the second year).
This stipend is meant to provide initial financial stability while participants establish themselves as insurance agents. Women are also entitled to commissions based on their performance, fostering both financial growth and motivation.
Application Process
Interested candidates can apply online via the official LIC website. They need to upload necessary documents and provide a passport-size photograph. The application requires meeting specific performance benchmarks during the stipendiary period, such as maintaining a minimum number of active policies.
Broader Impact
The initiative aims to recruit 100,000 women as Bima Sakhis within the first year, with a goal to expand to 200,000 over three years. Beyond employment, the program seeks to increase insurance awareness and accessibility in rural areas, contributing to women’s economic empowerment and the broader goal of financial inclusion.
This scheme reflects LIC’s commitment to blending social welfare with business growth, paving the way for women to achieve financial independence and secure sustainable careers.
