India aims to become a developed economy by 2047 with initiatives like electric mobility, digital payments, and high-speed expressways. However, many areas still lack basic banking access. Numerous families still rely on traditional methods. For them, managing money often means dealing with informal methods and facing everyday challenges. To address this issue, in August 2014, the Prime Minister launched the PMJDY. The pmjdy full form is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana.
The Jan Dhan Yojana Scheme was introduced to close India’s financial inclusion gap. With features like zero-balance accounts and insurance coverage, it empowers millions today.
The mission continues, driving towards financial inclusion and supporting the Viksit Bharat initiative to make India a developed nation by 2047.
What exactly is the Jan Dhan Yojana scheme?
Let’s take a look!
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Details
PM Jan Dhan Yojana is a financial inclusion initiative launched by the Government of India. It aims to provide affordable access to financial services for all. These services include bank accounts, remittances, credit, insurance, and pensions to all citizens, including minors aged 10 and above.
This scheme is opening doors to financial freedom for every household.
How Jan Dhan Yojana Benefits Every Household
When Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched PMJDY, he set a huge goal: to ensure that every household in India has access to banking services.
Here’s how PMJDY is making financial safety coverage available to everyone:
- Access to Banking for All: Before PMJDY, many households didn’t have a bank account. With the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, everyone now has access to essential banking services.
- Financial Security: By providing a Jan Dhan account, PMJDY helps families avoid the pitfalls of relying on moneylenders.
- Inclusion in the Financial System: It ensures that even the most remote areas of India can access banking services.
This specifically aligns with the vision of “Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas” – Together for Everyone’s Development.
- Empowering Households: With a bank account, low-income class families can live sustainably.
PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Achievements 2024
- 52.99 crore beneficiaries
- ₹228,361.93 Crore Balance held in beneficiary accounts.
- Over 11.5 lakh Bank Mitras are providing branchless banking services.
To boost financial inclusion, the PMJDY was extended after August 14, 2018, focusing not just on households but on every unbanked adult.
The scheme has been made even better with some new updates:
- Overdraft Limit: The overdraft limit has been increased from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 10,000.
- Accidental Insurance Cover: The accidental insurance cover for RuPay card holders has been doubled from Rs. 1 lakh to Rs. 2 lakhs.
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana Benefits (PMJDY)
The Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana offers a range of benefits.
Here’s what you get with a PMJDY account:
- Open a basic savings Jan Dhan account online with no minimum balance requirement.
- You can earn interest on the money you deposit in your PMJDY account.
- You also receive a RuPay Debit Card for easy transactions and ATM withdrawals.
- You get to enjoy accident insurance coverage of ₹2 lakh with your RuPay card.
- There is an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 for eligible account holders.
- Eligibility for Additional Schemes: Your PMJDY account allows you to benefit from:
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
- Micro Units Development & Refinance Agency Bank (MUDRA) scheme
- Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA)
It is open to any Indian citizen who meets the eligibility criteria for a regular bank account. This type of account has no minimum balance requirement, making it accessible to everyone. Account holders can manage their money using bank branches, ATMs, and Banking Correspondents (BCs).
However, there’s a limit of four cash withdrawals per month.
- Small Account/Chota Khata
Under the Jan Dhan Yojana, individuals can open a small bank account without needing to provide legal documents. These accounts are initially valid for twelve months.
If the jan dhan account online holder applies for an Officially Valid Document within this period, the account can be extended for another twelve months.
- RuPay Debit Card with Built-in Accident Insurance
As part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, beneficiaries receive a free RuPay debit card. This card comes with accident insurance coverage of Rs. 2 lakhs (or Rs. 1 lakh for accounts opened before August 28, 2018).
- Overdraft Facility
Beneficiaries of the PMJDY can also access an overdraft facility of up to Rs. 10,000. This feature allows them to withdraw more money than their account balance.
- Business Correspondents (BCs)/Bank Mitras
Business Correspondents (BCs) or bank mitras are retail agents who provide banking services outside of traditional bank branches and ATMs. They are especially important in rural areas where bank branches are scarce.
BCs/bank mitras assist with various banking needs. Their role help ensure that people in remote areas have easy access to essential banking services.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Online Apply
Here is everything you need to know about your eligibility, documents and process:
PM Jan Dhan Yojana Eligibility
The scheme is available to all individuals:
- Who Can Apply: You need to be an Indian citizen to open a PMJDY account.
- For Minors: If you’re over 10 but under 18, you’ll need your guardian’s help to manage the account.
How to Apply To PMJDY
Here are a few steps that you can follow to open a Jan Dhan account online:
- You must visit the official PMJDY portal.
- From the ‘e-documents’ section, click on the “Account Opening Form” link. You can choose between English and Hindi and download the form in PDF format.
- You must print the form and fill it out with your details. You’ll need to include information like your bank branch, town or village, district, Aadhaar number, profession, annual income, and details about any Kisan credit card, if applicable.
- You need to take your completed form to the nearest bank branch and submit it in person.
Jan Dhan Yojana Documents
To open an account under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, you’ll need basic documents.:
- Aadhaar Card
- Government ID: Voter Card, PAN Card, or Ration Card
- Proof of Address: Passport, Driving License, Electricity Bill, Telephone Bill, or Water Bill
- Passport Size Photo
- Completed and Signed the PMJDY Account Opening Form
You can download the form form here:
Jan Dhan Account Online – English Form
Jan Dhan Account Online- Hindi Form
- Additional Documents: Any other documents as required by the government.
Remember to bring your mobile number or email ID when you submit the form. This will help you complete your PMJDY application smoothly.
Major Initiatives Under PMJDY
The government of India has taken multiple routes to ensure it is able to achieve its goal of offering basic banking facilities to each household.
- Awareness Campaigns: The Government of India has launched extensive awareness campaigns to inform people about the benefits of PMJDY and encourage their participation. These efforts have been effective in spreading knowledge and increasing enrollment.
- Digital India Program: As part of the Digital India initiative, the government aims to create a digitally working society by boosting internet access and digital literacy. This effort supports the broader adoption of PMJDY, particularly in rural areas.
- Empowering Women Financially: Recognizing the importance of women’s financial inclusion, the government has introduced programs like Mahila E-Haat and Mudra Yojana.
You may also want to know the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY)
FAQs| Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Yes, you can link your mobile number with your PMJDY bank account. You need to contact your bank where you opened your account.
A “Small Account” or “Chota Khata” is an account you can open if you don’t have Officially Valid Documents (OVDs). This account is usually valid for twelve months.
Yes, minors can receive RuPay cards with their PMJDY accounts. They can use the card for cash withdrawals up to four times a month.
Yes, every PMJDY account comes with a free RuPay debit card that includes accident insurance. The cover amount is Rs. 2 lakh.
Yes, joint accounts can be opened under the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana.
Yes, minors can open a bank account under PMJDY, but they need a guardian to manage the account on their behalf.
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