BIRD Lucknow Organizes Women BC Program in Unnao

Unnao- Uttar Pradesh:-As part of the ongoing “One State, One RRB” initiative, a significant exposure visit was conducted at a Business Correspondent (BC) Service Point in Amadpurwade, Unnao, operated by Mrs. Satyawati Devi, a Bank Sakhi associated with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank. The visit was part of a field training program organized by BIRD (Bankers Institute of Rural Development), Lucknow, aimed at showcasing the effectiveness and challenges of the Bank Sakhi model in advancing rural financial inclusion.

Field Visit Overview

On the second day of the training program, participants observed how women BCs like Mrs. Seema Singh, who has been working with Uttar Pradesh Gramin Bank since 2014, are transforming financial access in rural areas.

Representatives from Credit Access Grameen Ltd., namely Mr. Amit Pratap Singh and Mr. Vishal Kumar Singh, were present and contributed to the program. In addition, Dhanshristi Bhavishya Nidhi Trust, various MFIs, bank officials, and BIRD program directors Dr. Udita Agarwal and Dr. Shehal M. Bansod attended the visit. The event received special support from Ms. Meghna Mistry.

Community-Level Benefits

Bank Sakhis have brought banking services right to villagers’ doorsteps. Key highlights include:

• Account Services: Easy account opening and cash deposit facilities.

  

• Government Schemes: Mass enrollment under PMJJBY and Atal Pension Yojana (APY); Mrs. Seema Singh alone has enrolled over 2,500 individuals under APY.

• Social Security: In one case, a family received ₹2 lakh under PMJJBY after a cancer-related death—showcasing the life-changing impact of financial inclusion.

Empowerment of Bank Sakhis

For Bank Sakhis, this role is more than employment—it’s a path to self-reliance:

• Earning Opportunities: ₹5–10 for account openings, 0.4% commission on deposits, ₹10 for delivering notices.

• Skill Development: Through training and the use of digital tools like POS machines and kiosks.

• Family Upliftment: Mrs. Singh’s daughter has become an LIC agent, demonstrating the positive influence on families.

Challenges Faced

Despite their important role, Bank Sakhis face multiple structural challenges:

• No Fixed Income: Earnings are entirely commission-based and uncertain.

• Limited Cash Flow and Overdraft Limits: Services are restricted during high demand.

• Security Concerns: Risk involved in carrying large amounts of cash.

• Technical Gaps: Some kiosks don’t provide printed receipts, leading to customer dissatisfaction.

• Communication Barriers: Delayed or unclear updates about new schemes.

Opportunities Ahead

The program identified several areas for strengthening the Bank Sakhi model:

• Increase Overdraft Limits: High-performing BCs should be eligible for ₹1 lakh overdraft.

• Provide Minimum Fixed Income: To ensure financial security for BCs.

• Train More SHG Women: Expand the model through capacity building of Self-Help Groups.

• Improve Infrastructure & Communication: Strengthen systems between banks and BCs.

Conclusion

This exposure visit demonstrated how women like Mrs. Satyawati Devi and Mrs. Seema Singh are playing a vital role in achieving the goals of rural financial inclusion. With support from BIRD and local organizations, these women are helping build a financially empowered and secure rural India.

The program was both a recognition of their achievements and a call to further strengthen this grassroots model through better policies, training, and support.