What the BC Sakhi Yojana does
In many Uttar Pradesh villages the nearest bank branch is 10 to 15 kilometres away. Elderly villagers, pensioners and women often lose a day's work and pay for travel just to withdraw a small amount. The BC Sakhi Yojana places a trained woman banking correspondent inside the village so that basic banking is available on the doorstep.
The scheme works on two levels. It improves financial inclusion for rural households, and it gives women from self help groups a dignified livelihood and a recognised role in the banking system.
Key Takeaways
- The scheme was launched in May 2020 and is implemented by the Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission to bring banking services to every gram panchayat.
- Women, particularly self-help group members, are trained and certified as banking correspondents attached to a partner bank.
- BC Sakhis receive ₹4,000 a month for the first six months to help them establish their operations, and then earn commission on the transactions they facilitate.
- Services include cash deposits and withdrawals, balance enquiries, account opening support, pension disbursal help and digital payments.
- Candidates are generally expected to be Class 10 pass and digitally literate, and scheme summaries mention an age range of 18 to 50, so confirm the current criteria with the district mission.
- Shortlisted candidates receive professional training and certification, delivered with partners such as RSETIs and banks like Bank of Baroda and UCO Bank.
Scheme highlights
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Implementing agency | Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission (UPSRLM) |
| Launch | May 2020 |
| Model | One Gram Panchayat, One BC Sakhi |
| Target group | Women from self help groups in rural Uttar Pradesh |
| Stipend | ₹4,000 per month for the first six months |
| Income after that | Transaction based commission paid through the partner bank |
| Reach reported in 2025-26 | About 39,880 BC Sakhis, transactions over ₹39,000 crore and about ₹107 crore in earnings, as per the state Budget 2026-27 |
Who is eligible?
- The applicant must be a woman and a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh.
- She should preferably be a member of a self help group under the rural livelihoods mission.
- A minimum qualification of Class 10 pass is generally required.
- She should be comfortable using a smartphone or digital devices, since transactions are digital.
- Scheme summaries mention an age bracket of 18 to 50 years, and selection also depends on the vacancy in her gram panchayat.
Services a BC Sakhi provides
- Cash deposit and cash withdrawal through a micro ATM or similar device
- Balance enquiry and mini statements
- Help with opening basic bank accounts and linking Aadhaar
- Pension and government benefit payments reaching beneficiaries at home
- Money transfers, bill payments and digital payment awareness
- Financial literacy for women and households in the village
How earnings work
For the first six months the stipend of ₹4,000 a month gives the Sakhi a stable base while she builds her customer network. After that, income comes from commission on each transaction she completes, and the partner bank decides the commission structure and provides the device and software. The more trust she builds in her village, the higher her monthly earnings, so consistency and honesty matter more than speed.
Since commission rates and device support differ between partner banks, candidates should ask for the written terms before accepting a posting.
How to apply
- Contact your Self Help Group, the block-level office of the rural livelihoods mission, or the District Mission Manager for the current vacancy in your gram panchayat.
- Keep Aadhaar, educational certificates, bank account details, SHG membership proof and photographs ready.
- Apply through the process announced by UPSRLM, which may include a form at the block office or an online form on the official mission portal.
- Appear for the selection or training test if called, and complete the professional training and certification.
- After certification, you are attached to a partner bank, receive your kit and begin operations as the BC Sakhi of your gram panchayat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UP BC Sakhi Yojana?
It is an Uttar Pradesh scheme under UPSRLM that trains rural women as Banking Correspondent Sakhis to provide doorstep banking services in villages.
How much stipend does a BC Sakhi get?
A BC Sakhi receives ₹4,000 per month for the first six months, after which she earns commission on transactions she facilitates.
Who can become a BC Sakhi in Uttar Pradesh?
Women of Uttar Pradesh, preferably self help group members, who are generally Class 10 pass and digitally literate, can apply, subject to vacancy and the district mission's criteria.
What services does a BC Sakhi offer?
She offers cash deposits and withdrawals, balance enquiries, account opening support, pension disbursal help and digital payment services.
Is there a fee to become a BC Sakhi?
The scheme provides training and certification through the mission and partner institutions, so candidates should not pay agents for selection and should verify any charge with the district mission.
How many BC Sakhis work in Uttar Pradesh?
The state Budget 2026-27 reports about 39,880 BC Sakhis who facilitated over ₹39,000 crore of transactions in 2025-26.
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