State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest bank and a key financial partner to over 21 crore women, has launched a new training program aimed at empowering women. The program, which was inaugurated on Republic Day, is set to benefit around 5,200 women across India. It will be conducted at SBI’s 153 Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs).
The virtual inauguration ceremony was attended by Shri. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), and Shri. C. S. Setty, Chairman of SBI. The event also saw the presence of SBI’s Managing Director, Shri. Vinay Tonse.
Training Modules and Support
The program includes 27 different training modules designed to equip women with skills for various self-employment opportunities. These modules cover areas such as tailoring, food processing, beauty services, vermiculture, agarbatti and candle making, bee-keeping, jute product manufacturing, soft toy creation, and the “One GP, One BC” initiative.
In addition to the training, participants will receive guidance on accessing financial assistance and establishing market linkages to ensure the success of their businesses. Local dignitaries and successful entrepreneurs will also share their experiences to inspire and motivate the participants.
SBI’s Role in Promoting Self-Employment
SBI’s RSETIs have played a crucial role in promoting self-employment across the country. Since their establishment, these institutes have trained approximately 12.74 lakh candidates through nearly 46,818 training programs. Notably, 74% of these candidates have gone on to achieve self-employment.
Women’s Contribution to the Economy
With women contributing around 18% to India’s GDP, empowering them is essential for the nation’s growth. SBI has been a significant force in supporting women entrepreneurs. The bank has a self-help group (SHG) loan portfolio of over ₹50,000 crores, benefiting over 1 crore women. More than 50% of the total enrollments under SBI’s Social Security Schemes are women, reflecting the bank’s commitment to women’s financial inclusion.
Government Support and Acknowledgement
Shri. Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development, praised the initiative, highlighting its alignment with the government’s vision for inclusive and equitable development. He also commended SBI’s role in rural development and the important contribution of RSETIs in promoting financial literacy and entrepreneurship among women.
Chairman’s Vision for Women Empowerment
SBI’s Chairman, Shri. C. S. Setty, emphasized the bank’s commitment to women’s empowerment and financial inclusion. He stated, “This special training program is a significant step toward making rural women self-reliant and contributing to the vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). By equipping women with skills, we aim to support their journey towards economic independence and contribute to the nation’s progress.”
SBI’s Ongoing Commitment
This initiative reflects SBI’s ongoing dedication to empowering women through skill development, enabling them to create sustainable livelihoods and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through such programs, SBI continues to play a pivotal role in advancing women’s empowerment and promoting economic independence across rural India.
