Training program on engaging SHG members as BC agents

BIRD, an organization was established by NABARD for meeting the capacity building needs of the client institutions like Commercial Banks, RRBs and Cooperative Banks, so as to to enhance their financial strength, managerial efficiency, and organizational vitality, thereby deepening rural credit on a sustainable basis.

The objectives of the project were:

1. Train officers of regional rural banks and cooperative banks on potential of SHGs and their institutions (e.g., SHG federations) for becoming individual BC agents as well as corporate BC agents.

2. Share challenges faced by SHGs and their institutions in becoming BC agents and solutions thereof.

A one-day interactive workshop was held at BIRD’s Lucknow campus with officers from Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and cooperative banks. Through case studies and open Q&A sessions, participants gained valuable insights into successful Self-Help Group (SHG) models that became Business Correspondent (BC) agents for various banks.

Key takeaways included:

– Real-life examples of SHGs serving banking needs of rural India’s poor and underprivileged households, primarily women.

– Effective strategies for financial inclusion and sustainable banking solutions.

This hands-on workshop empowered officers to replicate these models, enhancing financial access and empowerment for marginalized communities.