Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has completed 12 years of transforming India’s financial landscape. As the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative, PMJDY has expanded access to banking services and connected millions of Indians to the formal financial system, thereby strengthening the vision of inclusive growth and financial empowerment.
Enhancing Financial Access
Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, bank accounts are provided without any minimum balance requirement or maintenance charges. Account holders receive a free RuPay debit card, accident insurance cover of up to ₹2 lakh, and an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000. Furthermore, Jan Dhan accounts have played a pivotal role in extending social security schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana to millions of workers in the unorganized sector.
Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary highlighted the transformative impact of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) on its 12th anniversary. Launched on August 28, 2014, the scheme has led to the opening of over 59 crore bank accounts, the mobilization of deposits worth ₹3.17 lakh crore, and the issuance of 41.29 crore RuPay cards. He stated that PMJDY has revolutionized India’s financial landscape by extending banking services to the poorest and the unbanked, without any intermediaries or delays.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has given fresh impetus to financial inclusion by connecting underserved sections of society with formal banking services. Under the scheme, 78% of the accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas, while approximately 56 percent of the account holders are women. This has strengthened the access of the common people to banking, as well as to insurance and pension services. On the occasion of its 12th anniversary, the contribution of bankers and business correspondents in ensuring widespread financial access was acknowledged and appreciated.
Major Achievements
- Jan Dhan Account Holders Touch 59.09 Crore: As of August 19, 2026, PMJDY accounts reached 59.09 crore, with 55.7% (32.92 crore) held by women and 77.8% (45.95 crore) located in rural and semi-urban areas.
- Average PMJDY Account Balance Stands at ₹5,356: As of August 19, 2026, the average PMJDY account balance stood at ₹5,356, marking a 3.4-fold rise over the past 12 years and reflecting greater account usage and stronger saving habits
- PMJDY Deposits Touch ₹3.17 Lakh Crore: PMJDY deposits have reached ₹3,16,514 crore, marking a 12.8-fold increase over the past 12 years. During the same period, the number of accounts grew 2.3 times, from August 2015 to August 2026.
- 41.29 crore RuPay cards issued to PMJDY account holders: As of August 19, 2026, 41.29 crore RuPay cards have been issued to PMJDY account holders, with card usage continuing to grow over time.
As it enters its 13th year, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) remains a robust foundation for financial inclusion, digital innovation, and economic empowerment. Through mission-mode implementation and digital infrastructure, the scheme is extending banking, savings, and credit services to underserved sections of society. Facilities such as MUDRA loans have also expanded opportunities for increasing income and strengthening financial stability. The enduring success of PMJDY reflects India’s commitment to leaving no one behind.
(PIB)
