The Ministry of Finance marked the 12th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), a scheme launched in August 2014 to bring banking services to every adult citizen. The ministry announced that the scheme has now opened nearly 59 crore bank accounts with combined deposits exceeding 3.17 lakh crore rupees, establishing it as the world’s largest financial inclusion programme.
The Numbers and Key Features
As of 19 August 2026, the PMJDY has achieved the following milestones:
- 59.09 crore accounts have been opened
- Total deposits stand at ₹3,16,514 crore
- Average deposit per account is ₹5,356
- 41.29 crore RuPay debit cards have been issued
The scheme targets underserved populations. Approximately 78% of accounts are held in rural and semi-urban areas, and around 56% of account holders are women. Every account comes with a free RuPay debit card offering ₹2 lakh accident insurance cover. There is no minimum balance requirement, no maintenance fee, and eligible account holders can access an overdraft facility up to ₹10,000.
The scheme integrates with the Jan-Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) framework, which enables direct transfer of government welfare benefits into beneficiary accounts without intermediaries. This system has allowed the government to deliver financial assistance transparently and efficiently to marginalised sections of society.
Account holders with demonstrated saving patterns gain access to credit products, including MUDRA loans designed for small business owners. The scheme also facilitates access to insurance schemes including the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana, extending coverage to unorganised sector workers.
What This Means for You
If you are an unbanked adult, opening a Jan Dhan account requires no paperwork barriers and offers basic banking facilities at no cost. Regular use of your account and maintaining deposits can help you access affordable credit and insurance protection. For those in villages and remote areas, the scheme has made formal banking accessible without travelling to distant cities, and government welfare payments now reach directly into your account rather than through unofficial channels.