PM Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 12 Years: PM Narendra Modi Hails Its Unmatched Scale and Global Benchmark in Financial Inclusion
NEW DELHI: Marking 12 landmark years since its roll-out, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday commended the transformative trajectory of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), emphasizing its role as the backbone of India’s universal banking revolution.
Initially rolled out on August 28, 2014, as a premier flagship programme of the Union Government, PMJDY has grown into the world’s most expansive financial inclusion mission, bridging the traditional divide between formal banking institutions and the common citizen.
Highlighting the evolution of the initiative, official data released through citizen engagement platform MyGov India revealed a historic shift from an era where banking access was dictated by economic standing and geographical constraints to an integrated system providing universal financial identity.
A key hallmark of the scheme has been its focus on grassroots gender empowerment. With over 56 percent of total accounts managed by women, the initiative has directly reinforced household autonomy and broader economic participation at the community level.
Key Pillars of PM Jan Dhan Yojana:
- Zero-Balance Accessibility: Universal basic savings accounts with no minimum balance thresholds or maintenance penalties.
- Digital & Social Security: Issuance of free RuPay debit cards bundled with ₹2 lakh accidental insurance coverage.
- Emergency Liquidity: Access to an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders to handle unforeseen financial needs.
With nearly four out of five accounts established across rural and semi-urban pockets of the country, PMJDY continues to drive the last-mile reach of government welfare transfers, formal credit, and digital economic empowerment across India.
