New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 11th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), celebrating it as a landmark initiative that has transformed India’s financial landscape. Calling PMJDY “a story of empowerment,” the Prime Minister said the scheme has given people dignity and the power to shape their own destiny by connecting even the last mile to the banking system. Launched in August 2014 with the vision that no poor family should remain outside the formal banking network, PMJDY has now become the world’s largest financial inclusion programme. Over the past 11 years, more than 56 crore accounts have been opened with deposits worth ₹2.68 lakh crore, while over 38 crore RuPay cards have been issued to promote digital payments. Significantly, 67% of these accounts belong to rural and semi-urban areas, and 56% are held by women, underlining the scheme’s role in advancing equity and inclusion. Serving as the backbone of the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile), PMJDY has enabled seamless and transparent Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) worth ₹6.9 trillion in 2024–25, ensuring that government welfare reaches beneficiaries directly. From zero-balance savings and insurance cover to overdraft facilities and pension access, the scheme has become a lifeline for millions, driving India’s journey from financial exclusion to empowerment.
