Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday stated that more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have successfully integrated millions of Indians into the formal banking system, thereby strengthening financial inclusion across the country. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has ensured that benefits under welfare schemes, low-cost insurance, and pension programmes reach beneficiaries without any leakages, as highlighted by the Finance Minister's Office in a post on X.
Empowerment Through Financial Inclusion
"Garib Kalyan is Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi's guarantee of dignity, opportunity and empowerment for every Indian," Sitharaman said. She further added that India has stood out globally in its fight against poverty and deprivation. Launched on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is among the world's largest financial inclusion initiatives.
Key Statistics and Impact
According to official data, 56% of PMJDY account holders are women, while 67% of the accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas. The scheme has also facilitated direct transfer of benefits worth Rs 45 lakh crore into beneficiary accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism. Currently, 94% of India's adult population has a bank account.
Features of Jan Dhan Accounts
Accounts opened under the scheme offer a zero-balance facility, free RuPay cards, accidental insurance cover, and an overdraft facility. The government emphasized that the programme has helped bring millions into the formal financial system, transforming lives and strengthening the country's economy.
