UP's BC Sakhi Scheme: When and how much money do women receive?

Uttar Pradesh's BC Sakhi scheme offers rural women an opportunity to earn an income by providing banking services within their villages. Under this scheme, they receive a monthly honorarium of ₹4,000 for the initial six months, after which their earnings come from commissions.

If you reside in Uttar Pradesh and wish to earn an income while staying close to home, the BC Sakhi scheme could be beneficial for you. This scheme provides employment opportunities to village women by linking them with banking services. Initially, women receive a monthly honorarium of ₹4,000 for six months. Subsequently, however, their earnings are derived from commissions earned on banking transactions.

The primary objective of this Uttar Pradesh government scheme is to make women financially self-reliant while extending banking facilities to rural areas. Let us explore how much money women receive under this scheme, how they earn, and how to apply for it.

What is UP's BC Sakhi scheme?

'BC Sakhi' stands for 'Banking Correspondent Sakhi'. In Uttar Pradesh, this scheme is implemented under the State Rural Livelihood Mission. Women associated with this scheme provide banking services within the village using micro-ATMs and other digital devices. A major benefit of this is that villagers do not need to visit bank branches frequently for tasks such as withdrawing or depositing money.

When and how much money is received under the BC Sakhi scheme?

Honorarium for the first six months: Following selection, an eligible BC Sakhi receives ₹4,000 per month for the initial six months. Thus, a total of ₹24,000 is received over this six-month period.
Assistance for banking devices: Providing banking services requires micro-ATMs and other digital devices. It is claimed that financial assistance or a loan of ₹50,000 is available under this scheme. However, it is essential to verify the eligibility criteria, the specific amount, and the terms and conditions with the concerned department or bank. Therefore, this should not be viewed as a mandatory cash subsidy available to every woman.
Commission on Transactions: After the initial six months, earnings primarily depend on the commission received from banking transactions. This amount may vary based on the volume of work and transactions performed.

Who can apply for the BC Sakhi Yojana?

The applicant must be a woman residing in a rural area of ​​Uttar Pradesh.
The woman should be associated with a Self-Help Group (SHG) and must have passed at least the 10th-grade examination.
Knowledge of how to operate a smartphone and digital devices is advantageous for the role.
Selection is based on available vacancies in the respective area and the prescribed procedure.

How to apply for the BC Sakhi Yojana?

First, visit the official portal of the Rural Livelihood Mission (bcsakhi.upsrlm.org) to view information regarding the scheme and recruitment.
Check the details regarding available vacancies and eligibility criteria for your district.
Carefully read the application process, required documents, and terms related to training.
Upon selection, fulfill the prescribed conditions and commence work in accordance with the instructions provided by the concerned bank.