CSR: SBI Skill Development Program Empowers 5,200 Women Entrepreneurs

MUMBAI (India CSR): The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest bank, has reaffirmed its commitment to women empowerment by launching a comprehensive skill development program designed for 5,200 women. Conducted through its 153 Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs), this initiative is a significant step toward fostering economic independence and self-reliance among rural women.

The program, inaugurated on Republic Day, was virtually launched by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), alongside SBI Chairman Shri C. S. Setty. The event also saw the participation of SBI’s Managing Director, Shri Vinay Tonse, and other dignitaries.

Diverse Training for Holistic Empowerment

The skill development program features 27 training modules tailored to equip women with practical skills for self-employment. These modules include:

• Tailoring and embroidery
• Food processing
• Beauty services
• Vermiculture
• Agarbatti and candle making
• Bee-keeping
• Jute product manufacturing
• Soft toy creation
• “One GP, One BC” initiative

Beyond technical skills, the program offers guidance on financial assistance, business planning, and establishing market linkages. Participants will also hear from successful entrepreneurs and local dignitaries, sharing insights to motivate and inspire them.

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SBI RSETIs: Pioneering Self-Employment Initiatives

SBI’s RSETIs have been instrumental in promoting self-employment across India. Since their inception, these institutes have trained over 12.74 lakh candidates through nearly 46,818 programs, with 74% of trainees successfully achieving self-employment. This initiative builds on that legacy, focusing on empowering women to drive economic growth in their communities.

Impact on Women and the Economy

With women contributing approximately 18% to India’s GDP, empowering them is vital for inclusive national development. SBI’s efforts extend beyond training, with the bank supporting over one crore women through its Self-Help Group (SHG) loan portfolio, valued at over ₹50,000 crore.

Additionally, more than 50% of enrolments under SBI’s Social Security Schemes are women, reflecting the bank’s commitment to creating a more equitable financial ecosystem.

Leadership Perspectives on Women Empowerment

Speaking on the occasion, SBI Chairman Shri C. S. Setty said:
“This special training program embodies SBI’s dedication to empowering rural women, fostering self-reliance, and advancing financial inclusion. By equipping women with the necessary skills, we aim to contribute to their economic independence and the broader vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat.’”

Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, MoRD, commended SBI’s efforts, highlighting their alignment with the Government’s vision for inclusive development. He acknowledged SBI’s RSETIs for their vital role in building financial literacy and entrepreneurship among rural women.

Building Sustainable Livelihoods

This initiative is more than a training program—it is a transformative journey toward sustainable livelihoods. By empowering women with skills and resources, SBI is enabling them to become agents of change in their communities.

Driving Change, One Skill at a Time

SBI’s unwavering focus on women empowerment through its CSR initiatives is creating ripples of change across rural India. As women gain the tools to succeed, they contribute not only to their families but also to the nation’s economic growth, embodying the spirit of a truly inclusive and developed India.

(India CSR)