Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) received the Innovation Award in Srinagar for its pioneering Bank Sakhi Model. Through Bank Sakhi Didis, TRLM empowers women to bridge rural communities with banks, facilitating loans, insurance, and financial services, driving inclusive growth and grassroots financial empowerment in Tripura.
The Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM) has added yet another feather to its cap by winning the prestigious Innovation Award from the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) at Srinagar. The award was conferred by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, and received by Tarit Kanti Chakma, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TRLM, in recognition of the mission’s remarkable Bank Sakhi Model.
This honor highlights Tripura’s pioneering role in bridging the gap between rural communities and formal financial institutions, empowering women to take the lead in financial inclusion.
Bank Sakhi Didis: Grassroots Agents of Change
At the heart of this achievement is the Bank Sakhi initiative, a model that has transformed women from rural households into frontline facilitators of banking services. Known as Bank Sakhi Didis, these women act as crucial links between Self-Help Group (SHG) members and banks across Tripura.
Bank Sakhi Didis extend support in multiple ways:
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Loan Facilitation: Assisting SHG members and rural households in applying for and accessing bank loans.
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Insurance Services: Guiding community members in renewing and maintaining insurance schemes.
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Banking Assistance: Helping villagers with deposits, withdrawals, and other essential financial services.
By serving as trusted intermediaries, these women have ensured that financial services are no longer confined to urban centers but are readily accessible in the remotest corners of Tripura.
Transforming Financial Inclusion in Tripura
The Bank Sakhi Model has emerged as a breakthrough innovation because it tackles two critical challenges simultaneously—improving financial literacy and enhancing women’s empowerment.
Rural communities, especially women, often face barriers to accessing financial institutions due to distance, lack of awareness, and bureaucratic complexities. Bank Sakhi Didis bridge this divide with a human touch. Being part of the community themselves, they provide personalized guidance and build trust, making banking processes less intimidating for SHG members.
This has led to a significant rise in loan uptake, better insurance coverage, and more confidence among rural women in handling financial matters. More importantly, it has also opened avenues for women to generate income by serving in these roles, thereby advancing gender equality and economic independence.
A Model for Other States
The recognition of TRLM’s Bank Sakhi Model at a national platform like ASCI in Srinagar positions it as a replicable model for other states. Experts in rural development and financial inclusion believe that the initiative offers a sustainable solution for strengthening the link between formal banks and rural households.
By leveraging women’s collective strength through SHGs and building local capacity, the model not only improves financial outreach but also fosters community development. It reduces dependency on informal moneylenders and encourages rural populations to adopt responsible financial practices.
Leadership and Vision Behind TRLM’s Success
The success of TRLM is credited to its commitment to innovation, community engagement, and strategic vision. Under the leadership of CEO Tarit Kanti Chakma, the mission has consistently explored new ways of uplifting rural households.
The award in Srinagar stands as testimony to the hard work of countless SHG members, field functionaries, and Bank Sakhi Didis who have turned this vision into reality. Their dedication reflects the spirit of grassroots leadership and the transformative potential of women’s participation in development.
Recognition that Inspires Future Action
Receiving the Innovation Award is not just a milestone for TRLM but also a recognition of Tripura’s broader rural development strategy. It sends a strong message about the power of inclusive models in building resilient communities.
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As the Bank Sakhi initiative continues to expand, it is expected to cover more SHGs, enhance digital literacy, and integrate advanced banking technologies, ensuring that no household is left behind in the journey toward financial inclusion.
The achievement in Srinagar is a proud moment for Tripura and a source of inspiration for rural missions across the country. It reinforces the idea that with the right support and innovative approaches, rural women can be at the forefront of social and economic transformation.
