PPBL in collaboration with UP State Rural Livelihood Mission (Government of UP) is empowering the lives of rural women by offering them the opportunity to earn a livelihood in the community by working as a BC Sakhi. We aim to help improve women’s quality of life through our Banking Correspondent (BC) Sakhi programme. We have been doing regular campaigns that center around the financial literacy of women.
BC Sakhis are members of self-help groups (SHG) formed at the Gram Panchayat level. Fondly called ‘bank didi’ by villagers in remote areas, around ₹1.5 crore commission had been earned by close to 4,000 operational BC Sakhis to date. Their life stories are regularly showcased, and trophies along with certificates and mementos are awarded to all top-performing BC Sakhis on a regular basis.
Through this project, we provide technology-rich banking solutions to people in rural areas through our free-of-cost services such as zero balance saving accounts, free transfer of funds, instant debit cards, AEPS, FASTag, and more. Besides this, we address urgent financial needs and provide banking services to senior, or disabled citizens at their doorstep.
With regular training programmes, we keep BC Sakhis updated about new product launches, upskilling, and re-training them regarding existing products and provide counselling and guidance about increasing their transactions and commission while adhering to standards and compliances of RBI.
Through BC Sakhi programme, we aim to reach out to the remotest parts of the country and deliver our services through technological advancements and help in employment generation as well as financial inclusion. We have been encouraging other women to become financially aware and independent like the recognised BC Sakhis, getting out of the house and meeting people and learning new skills and gaining knowledge of the banking sector.
BC Sakhis deliver financial services in hard-to-reach rural areas. Through doorstep banking services, It saves travel expenses, time and wage losses for the rural customers. Transactions can also be conducted on holidays and emergencies when banks are closed. A shining example of the same was exhibited during COVID period where BC Sakhis provided banking services at doorstep to the population in their villages.
We have always been committed to driving financial inclusion and empowering every Indian with innovative financial services. We believe that digital financial services have the power to transform lives and drive economic growth, and we are proud to play a leading role in this movement.