World’s largest financial inclusion initiative – Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana completes 12 years today
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has completed 12 years today, marking a significant milestone in transforming the country’s financial inclusion landscape. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day in 2014. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, more than 59 crore accounts have been opened so far, with total deposits amounting to 3 lakh 17 thousand crore rupees.
As the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative, the scheme continues to redefine access to banking for all Indians. The average deposit per account is 5,356 rupees. Under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, 78 per cent of the accounts have been opened in rural or semi-urban areas, and approximately 56 per cent of accounts are owned by women. Over 41 crore RuPay cards have been issued to Jan Dhan account holders. The scheme has also empowered millions, particularly the marginalised sections, to access banking and financial services to improve their socio-economic conditions.
The Jan-Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) trinity, with Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana at its core, has proven to be a diversion-proof mechanism for the direct delivery of financial assistance. Due to initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, India’s Financial Inclusion Index has risen from 53.9 in 2018 to 67 in 2026, showcasing deeper access to credit, insurance, savings and digital payments. As the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative, the scheme is redefining access to banking for millions of underprivileged citizens.
