Jan Dhan Yojana Turns 12: PM Modi Praises Financial Inclusion Push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday praised the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana for its extensive reach and contribution to financial empowerment as the flagship scheme completed 12 years.

PM Modi said the initiative has produced significant results in expanding financial inclusion and connecting people with the formal banking system.

In a post on X, the Prime Minister described Jan Dhan Yojana as a programme that has achieved an unprecedented scale while delivering transformative outcomes for beneficiaries.

Unprecedented scale and transformative outcomes!

Jan Dhan Yojana has had an unparalleled impact. #12YearsOfJanDhan https://t.co/vxYoOnhPSW

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2026

The government launched the scheme to ensure that people across the country could access essential banking and financial services.

Over the years, the initiative has helped bring a larger section of the population into the formal financial system.

PM Modi said the programme has strengthened financial inclusion by widening access to formal banking facilities and providing people with greater opportunities to participate in the organised financial sector.

According to the Ministry, deposits in Jan Dhan accounts have increased 12.8 times over the past 12 years, reaching Rs 3.17 lakh crore. The rise, it said, reflects deeper engagement with formal banking institutions and improved saving practices among beneficiaries.

As PMJDY completed 12 years, the Finance Ministry said the programme has developed beyond its original objective of simply increasing the number of bank accounts.

The Ministry said Jan Dhan accounts now demonstrate greater participation in the formal financial system, with beneficiaries increasingly using banking channels and building their savings.

The Finance Ministry said the sharp rise in deposits represents more than an increase in account balances. It reflects stronger connections between beneficiaries and formal banking services, along with improved saving habits and wider financial participation.

The scheme has therefore emerged as an important component of the government’s efforts to ensure that more citizens can access formal financial services and participate in the country’s economic system.