From Zero Balance to Billions: 11 Years of Jan Dhan

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has completed 11 years, marking a significant milestone in India's journey towards financial inclusion by opening 56 crore bank accounts with deposits totaling ₹268 lakh crore.

Launched in August 2014, PMJDY aimed to bring every Indian into the formal banking system, a goal that has transformed the financial landscape, especially in rural and semi-urban areas where 67% of accounts are held

The initiative has empowered women significantly, with over 56% of the accounts owned by women, showcasing the program's role in promoting gender equality in financial access

PMJDY has been pivotal in the success of India's Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, allowing for direct crediting of welfare benefits into beneficiaries' accounts, reducing corruption and enhancing efficiency

The program has also provided access to a range of financial services such as RuPay debit cards, accident insurance, overdraft facilities, and connections to credit and pension schemes, making banking accessible to millions

The introduction of over 38 crore RuPay cards under PMJDY has fostered a digital-first generation, significantly contributing to the exponential rise in digital transactions across the country

Between FY19 and FY25, digital transactions in India surged from 2,338 crore to 22,198 crore, with UPI transactions alone increasing from 535 crore to 18,587 crore, underscoring the impact of PMJDY

As PMJDY enters its 12th year, it continues to fortify India's JAM Trinity (Jan-Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), enhancing governance efficiency and creating a robust financial safety net for citizens

The program symbolizes India's commitment to inclusive growth, ensuring no citizen is left behind as the country progresses towards a $5-trillion economy

PMJDY's journey from cash-based transactions to a digital economy highlights the transformative impact of financial inclusion on modern India's economic aspirations