Pension Sakhi Yojana: Several schemes are being run by the central government with the aim of making women self-reliant. Meanwhile, the central government launched the LIC Bima Sakhi Yojana on December 9, 2024. This scheme is receiving a good response. Lakhs of women have got employment through this scheme. Similarly, preparations are now underway to launch the Pension Sakhi Yojana. On October 1, on the occasion of NPS Day, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman appealed to train women as ‘Pension Sakhis’ and give them incentives.
Sitharaman said that the National Pension System (NPS) has rapidly transformed the pension approach in India. It needs to reach all sections and classes. To expand the reach of this scheme, the government could launch the Pension Sakhi scheme. Under this scheme, women will become Pension Sakhis to raise awareness about the NPS and encourage more people to register.
Know what is NPS
NPS , or National Pension System, is a voluntary scheme run by the government. Any Indian citizen between the ages of 18 and 70 can invest in this scheme. Even NRIs can invest in it. Investors can choose a mix of equities, corporate bonds, and government securities as per their choice. This scheme has been giving annual returns of 8% to 10%. Although NPS funds cannot be withdrawn until the age of 60, the tax benefits are quite attractive. Rs 1.5 lakh is eligible under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act and an additional Rs 50,000 is eligible under Section 80CCD(1B) .
Know what is Bima Sakhi Yojana?
Through this LIC scheme, women are getting a golden opportunity to build a better career by becoming insurance agents. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said that in the financial year 2024-25, Rs 62.36 crore has been paid to Bima Sakhis. For the financial year 2025-26, LIC (Life Insurance Corporation of India – LIC) has set a budget of Rs 520 crore, out of which Rs 115.13 crore has already been paid till July 14.