Under the National Rural Livelihood Mission in the state of Uttar Pradesh, a system was implemented that allows various services, including banking, to be provided directly to residents' homes. For this purpose, Banking Correspondents Sakhi, or BC Sakhi, were appointed at the Gram Panchayat level.
These BC Sakhi provide services either by working in an office located in the village council building or by visiting people at their homes. Thanks to this government initiative, rural residents gain access to financial services right at their doorstep. Furthermore, participation in this program has significantly improved the quality of life for women working as BC Sakhi, making them not only economically independent but also boosting their self-confidence.
Jyoti Vishwakarma, a resident of Navahi village in Chandawli, holds a master's degree. Approximately four years ago, in 2022, she joined this program. Initially, she joined a group that provided her with a loan of 75 thousand rupees. She used part of these funds to purchase equipment, and the rest was directed towards starting banking activities.
Speaking about her journey, Jyoti notes that before participating in the program, she was engaged in household chores and caring for her family. Despite having an education, she felt hesitant to leave home for work due to the characteristics of the rural environment. However, Jyoti now proudly states that since becoming a Banking Correspondent Sakhi, she has been called 'Didi'. Today, she is so self-sufficient that she can pay for her children's education and ensure the smooth functioning of her family.
Regarding her workflow, Jyoti reports that the village council building provided her with a chair and a table for work. When any woman or person unable to travel independently calls her requesting help with banking or other matters, she goes to their home to provide services. She handles cash withdrawals and also accepts deposits into accounts.
Like Jyoti Vishwakarma, Nasrin Bano is also succeeding as a Banking Correspondent Sakhi. Nasrin Bano resides in Negura village, in the Sadar block of Chandawli district. Her husband works as a welder, and the family includes her mother-in-law, father-in-law, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, and children.
Nasrin Bano joined this program four years ago and started working as a BC Sakhi. After fulfilling her household duties, she goes to the village council building where she provides banking services to the public. If necessary, she also visits people at home, offering them banking and other conveniences.
Speaking about her experience, Nasrin Bano emphasizes that she has been participating in the program for four years. After completing family responsibilities, she comes to the village council and helps people withdraw and deposit money. People approach her for these services, as well as for opportunities such as loans.
Nasrin shares that she previously lived at home and had no employment. First, she joined a group, and then became a Banking Correspondent Sakhi. After joining this scheme, she started working outside the home. As soon as she began earning income from it, she dedicated herself fully to this work. Now she supports her children's needs by buying them necessary items such as textbooks and medicine. Nasrin notes that her life has changed: she no longer has to depend on her husband for any expenses; she covers her own costs.