PM Jan Dhan Yojana Completes 11 Years, Crosses 56 Crore Accounts
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday 67% of accounts were opened in rural and semi-urban areas, while women hold 56% of the accounts.
New Delhi, August 28: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the world’s largest financial inclusion programme, has completed 11 years with over 56 crore bank accounts opened and total deposits reaching ₹2.68 lakh crore, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, the scheme has become a cornerstone of India’s financial inclusion strategy, enabling millions of underserved citizens to access formal banking. Sitharaman said 67% of accounts were opened in rural and semi-urban areas, while women hold 56% of the accounts. “PMJDY is not just about banking; it is about dignity, empowerment and opportunity,” she said.
Over 38 crore RuPay cards have been issued under the scheme, promoting digital payments. Average deposits per account have grown nearly four-fold to ₹4,768 since 2015, reflecting increased usage and savings habits.
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary called PMJDY one of the most successful financial inclusion initiatives globally. He said saturation drives were bringing banking and insurance services to the doorsteps of citizens. “With the support of stakeholders, PMJDY will be remembered as a game-changer for financial inclusion in the country,” he said.
The government credited ₹6.9 lakh crore to beneficiaries’ bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) in FY 2024-25 using the JAM trinity — Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, and Mobile — ensuring transparency and eliminating leakages.
As the scheme enters its 12th year, officials said the focus will remain on expanding insurance and pension coverage, reducing dormant accounts, and strengthening financial literacy.
