What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a national mission launched by the Government of India on August 28, 2014, to ensure financial inclusion for every citizen. The initiative aims to provide access to banking services, such as savings accounts, remittance facilities, insurance, and pensions, especially for the unbanked sections of society.
Objective of the PMJDY Scheme
The primary objectives of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme are:
- To provide universal banking access to every household.
- To offer basic banking accounts with minimal deposit requirements.
- To facilitate financial literacy among the underprivileged.
- To provide access to credit, insurance, and pension schemes.
- To integrate financially weaker sections into the formal banking system.
How Does the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana Scheme Work?
The PMJDY scheme enables individuals to open a zero-balance savings account with any participating bank. These accounts come with free financial services like:
- A RuPay debit card.
- Accidental insurance cover of ₹2 lakh.
- Life insurance cover of ₹30,000 for eligible account holders.
- Overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 after six months of satisfactory transactions.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for government subsidies.
Features of the PMJDY Scheme
The PMJDY features include:
- Zero Balance Account – No minimum balance requirement.
- RuPay Debit Card – Account holders get a RuPay debit card for ATM withdrawals and transactions.
- Insurance Benefits – ₹2 lakh accidental insurance and ₹30,000 life insurance for eligible account holders.
- Overdraft Facility – After six months of account activity, an overdraft of up to ₹10,000 is available.
- Interest on Deposits – Account holders earn interest on their savings.
- Pension and Insurance Access – Accounts are linked to pension and insurance schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana.
- Ease of Money Transfer – Enables direct benefit transfers of government subsidies and schemes.
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How to Open a PM Jan-Dhan Yojana Account?
To open a PMJDY account, follow these steps:
- Visit any participating bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet.
- Fill out the PMJDY account opening form.
- Provide the required documents:
- Aadhaar card (preferred) or other valid KYC documents like voter ID, passport, or driving license.
- Two passport-sized photographs.
- After document verification, the bank will open your PM Jan Dhan Yojana account and issue a RuPay debit card.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Benefits
- Financial Inclusion – Encourages saving habits among the poor and provides access to banking services.
- Government Subsidy Benefits – Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) ensures that government benefits like LPG subsidy reach the rightful beneficiary.
- Loan and Credit Facility – Enables access to micro-credit and overdraft facilities.
- Social Security Cover – Offers accident and life insurance benefits.
- Pension Benefits – Links account holders to pension schemes.
- Employment Opportunities – Provides job opportunities as Business Correspondents (Bank Mitras).
Progress of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Since its launch, PMJDY has witnessed significant progress:
- Over 48 crore accounts have been opened under the scheme.
- More than ₹2 lakh crore has been deposited in these accounts.
- A substantial number of account holders have availed of insurance and pension benefits.
- The scheme has played a crucial role in financial empowerment and digital transactions.
Jan Dhan Darshak App
The Jan Dhan Darshak App is a mobile application launched to assist users in locating banking touchpoints such as:
- ATMs
- Bank branches
- Bank Mitras
- Post offices enable beneficiaries to find the nearest service provider and access financial services easily.
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Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has transformed financial accessibility in India. By providing free banking services, insurance, and credit facilities, the scheme has empowered millions of unbanked individuals. The continued success of PMJDY depends on further financial literacy and digital banking integration.