Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: The Narendra Modi government had started the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in its first term. Under this scheme, bank accounts of 55.05 crore customers have been opened. Out of this, 36.63 crore or 66.57 percent have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary gave this information in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
After taking over the reins of the country for the first time, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this scheme from the historic Red Fort on 15 August 2014. This scheme was launched across the country on 28 August 2014. The purpose of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is to include the deprived sections of the country who did not have access to banks, in the banking system. Accounts opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana have proved to be helpful in Direct Bank Transfer (DBT).
The scheme you’re referring to is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to promote financial inclusion in India. This initiative aims to provide easy access to financial services, such as banking, savings accounts, credit, insurance, and pension, for individuals in underserved and economically disadvantaged areas of the country. By opening zero-balance accounts, the scheme targeted those without access to formal banking, particularly in rural areas.
The PMJDY was first announced by Modi on 15 August 2014 from the Red Fort and was officially launched on 28 August 2014. It plays a crucial role in facilitating government welfare programs through Direct Bank Transfer (DBT), ensuring that subsidies, benefits, and other government transfers reach beneficiaries directly into their bank accounts, thus minimizing corruption and ensuring efficient delivery of services.
About Jan Dhan Account
Jan Dhan Account also has an accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh. There is no fee or maintenance charge for opening this account and there is no need to maintain a minimum balance in the account. Apart from this, account holders are also given the facility of overdraft up to Rs 10,000 during emergency situations. After 6 months of opening the account, you can take a loan of up to Rs 10,000 through this account.
Who can open a Jan Dhan Account
To open a Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Account, one must be a citizen of India.
Any Indian citizen above 10 years of age can become a beneficiary of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana. However, before the age of 18, support of the guardian will be required.