Key Highlights
- India achieves a historic milestone with over 50 crore Jan Dhan accounts, a testament to successful financial inclusion efforts.
- Over 56% of Jan Dhan accounts are held by women, indicating a significant stride towards gender equality in financial participation.
- Around 67% of these accounts are opened in rural and semi-urban areas, showcasing the program’s success in bridging regional gaps.
- More than 5.5 crore PMJDY accounts actively receive Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), demonstrating the tangible impact of the program on aiding beneficiaries.
India’s efforts towards financial inclusion have reached a remarkable milestone as the total number of Jan Dhan accounts crosses 50 crore, according to the finance ministry’s latest announcement. Notably, over half of these accounts, or 56 percent, belong to women, underscoring the progress in empowering women’s economic involvement. The majority of these accounts, about 67 percent, have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas, reflecting the scheme’s effective reach into previously underserved regions.
The cumulative deposits in these Jan Dhan accounts have surpassed Rs 2.03 lakh crore, showcasing the substantial financial activity generated through this initiative. Additionally, a substantial count of 34 crore RuPay cards have been issued alongside these accounts, provided at no cost to the account holders.
Data also reveals that the average balance held in accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) stands at Rs 4,076. Moreover, an encouraging 5.5 crore PMJDY accounts are actively benefiting from Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payouts, signifying the practical impact of the program in delivering government aid to the deserving.
Launched on August 28, 2014, the National Mission on Financial Inclusion, better known as PMJDY, has been pivotal in reshaping the nation’s financial landscape. Through a comprehensive approach that leverages technology, collaboration, and innovation, the scheme bridges the gap between individuals and formal banking systems, ensuring financial services reach even the most remote corners.
PMJDY is renowned for its range of advantages for account holders, including zero minimum balance requirements, complimentary RuPay debit cards equipped with accident insurance coverage of up to Rs 2 lakh, and the provision for overdrafts up to Rs 10,000.
Nearly a decade since its inception, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana not only marks substantial growth but also signifies a significant shift in financial accessibility and participation, setting a noteworthy standard for inclusive financial practices in the country.