New Delhi, August 28: Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi on Friday highlighted the achievements of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), describing the scheme’s 12-year journey as a major step towards expanding financial inclusion and strengthening economic empowerment.
The minister said the programme has helped bring millions of people, particularly women and families in rural areas, into the formal banking system.According to figures shared by the minister, more than 59 crore Jan-Dhan accounts have been opened so far.
Women account holders account for 56 per cent of the total, while 78 per cent of the accounts are located in villages and small towns.Deposits held in these accounts have crossed Rs 3.1 lakh crore, reflecting the growing participation of beneficiaries in formal financial services.
The minister also highlighted the role of the Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile (JAM) framework in facilitating direct transfers to beneficiaries.
She said Rs 53 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries through the system.Devi said the scheme should be viewed as more than an initiative to provide bank accounts, as it has helped build a foundation for financial security, dignity and greater economic participation.
The minister noted that the strong participation of women and rural households demonstrates the importance of accessible banking services in promoting financial independence and inclusion.
The Jan-Dhan initiative is aimed at bringing underserved sections of society into the formal financial system and enabling them to access banking and government-linked financial services.
The latest figures underline the scale of the financial inclusion effort and its growing role in connecting households, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, with formal financial institutions.
