From banking agents to community service providers: The path to BC Sakhi sustainability

by Sunil Bhat, Shobhit Mishra, Tridev Jyoti Rath and Aryahi Bhardwaj
Sep 14, 2026
1 min

The BC Sakhi model has expanded rural financial inclusion but encounters sustainability challenges due to low earnings and limited services. The report recommends that BC Sakhis become multi-service rural entrepreneurs through diversified products, partnerships, digital tools, and stronger institutional support.

The report explores how the BC Sakhi model can evolve from basic banking agents into sustainable, multi-service community providers. With most BC Sakhis earning below INR 5,000 monthly, it highlights gaps in product depth, revenue, and program management. It recommends expanding citizen, financial, digital, and livelihood services; deepening credit and financial intermediation; and building partnerships with public and private platforms. Stronger training, technology, monitoring, awareness, and institutional partnerships are identified as critical enablers for sustainable growth.