Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Moved The Nation Forward Together, Says PM Modi On 11th Anniversary

As the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) celebrates its 11th anniversary, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday highlighted that the programme has bolstered dignity and empowered citizens to shape their own futures.

Taking to X, PM Modi posted, “When the last mile is financially connected, the entire nation moves forward together. That is exactly what the PM Jan Dhan Yojana achieved. It enhanced dignity and gave people the power to script their own destiny.”

He also reshared a post from ‘MyGovIndia’ illustrating the transformative effects of the scheme.

“Jan Dhan: More Than Accounts, It’s Empowerment 11 years ago, PM @narendramodi gave Bharat a promise that no poor family would remain outside the world of banking. Jan Dhan was never just about accounts, it was about opening doors for a mother to save with dignity, for a farmer to receive support without middlemen, and for a villager to feel part of the nation’s growth. PM Modi’s vision turned financial inclusion into a reality, bringing hope into every home and confidence into every life,” the post noted. 

Accompanying visuals showcased how PMJDY has facilitated the opening of bank accounts and contributed to the growth of small businesses.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

The programme began in August 2014 as the National Mission for Financial Inclusion. Its aim was to provide every unbanked adult in India with:

1. A bank account,
2. A financial identity, and
3. Access to essential services such as credit, insurance, and pensions

With a mission to bank the unbanked, secure the unsecured, fund the unfunded, and serve the underserved, PMJDY has, however, grown into the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative.

Its achievements have been recognised by the Guinness World Records, which certified that ‘most bank accounts opened in one week as part of a financial inclusion campaign is 18,096,130’, a record set by India’s Department of Financial Services.

On reaching its 11th year on 28 August, the scheme’s nationwide impact is clear, from rising rural account ownership to increased digital transactions, demonstrating a significantly transformed financial landscape.

PMJDY offers a wide range of benefits catering to various financial needs, promoting both security and empowerment. These include:

• Zero-balance accounts,
• RuPay debit cards with insurance coverage,
• Overdraft facilities, and
• Access to banking services through Business Correspondents (BCs) in remote areas

The initiative supports inclusive economic growth, social equity, and links beneficiaries to other government programmes for greater financial stability.

Key Features of PMJDY

• Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA):

Any eligible Indian citizen can open a BSBDA without maintaining a minimum balance, with transactions available at bank branches, ATMs, and BCs. Withdrawals are limited to four per month.

• Small Account/Chhota Khata:

Designed for individuals lacking formal documents, valid for 12 months, extendable with proof of application for an Officially Valid Document.

• RuPay Debit Card with Inbuilt Accident Insurance:

Beneficiaries receive a free RuPay card with accident insurance of Rs 2 lakh (Rs 1 lakh for accounts opened before 28 August 2018).

• Overdraft Facility:

Eligible account holders can access overdrafts of up to Rs 10,000.

• Business Correspondents (BCs)/Bank Mitras:

Agents providing banking services in rural areas, including deposits, withdrawals, and mini-statements.

• Eligibility for Government Schemes:

PMJDY accounts link to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY, and the MUDRA scheme.

Since its launch, PMJDY accounts have surged from 14.72 crore in 2015 to over 56.16 crore by August 2025, with roughly 67% in rural and semi-urban areas and 33% in urban centres.

The scheme has notably advanced gender equality, with women holding 56% of Jan Dhan accounts. This highlights its role in promoting financial inclusion among women, particularly in the unorganised sector.

Many beneficiaries have also accessed social security and credit schemes such as PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY.

Total deposits in PMJDY accounts have risen from Rs 15,670 crore in March 2015 to Rs 2,67,755 crore as of August 2025, reflecting growing trust in formal banking.

As India marks 11 years of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, it is evident that the initiative has reshaped the financial ecosystem, integrating the unbanked into mainstream banking and fostering inclusive economic growth.

With more than 56 crore accounts, nearly 30 crore women beneficiaries, extensive RuPay card distribution, and far-reaching deposits, PMJDY has empowered millions, including those in remote and underprivileged communities, providing tools previously beyond their reach.

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