Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), which was started with the aim of connecting every citizen of the country with the banking system, has completed 12 years. This scheme, started in the year 2014, has completely changed the structure of financial inclusion in India. According to government data, till August 19, 2026, 59.09 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened in the country. The common citizen, who was once away from the doors of banks, is not only saving today, but is also directly connected to social security schemes like insurance and pension.
How historic the beginning of this initiative was can be gauged from the fact that in the year 2015, more than 1.8 crore accounts were opened under the scheme within just one week, for which it was recorded in the Guinness World Records.
Women's participation and expansion into rural areas
The contribution of women and rural population has been most important in the matter of opening Jan Dhan accounts. Out of 59.09 crore accounts, 32.92 crore accounts belong to women, which is a major achievement in the direction of making them financially self-reliant. If we look at the geographical data, 45.95 crore accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban (town) areas, while 13.14 crore accounts are operational in urban areas.
How strong the trust of the general public has been in the banking system is evident from the balance deposited in the accounts. In March 2015, a total of Rs 15,670 crore were deposited in Jan Dhan accounts, which has now increased more than 20 times to Rs 3,16,514 crore. Global institutions like International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank have also praised this model of India. The country's Financial Inclusion Index, which was 53.9 in 2018, has increased to 67 in 2026.
Free accident insurance from zero balance to ₹2 lakh
Jan Dhan account is not just a simple savings account but it offers a variety of financial facilities. There is no obligation to maintain minimum balance.
- RuPay Debit Card: A RuPay card is issued along with the account, which works at ATMs and Point of Sale (PoS) machines across the country.
- Free accident insurance cover: Accidental insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh is available on accounts opened after August 2018. Its premium does not have to be paid by the account holder, rather its expenses are borne by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
- Overdraft Facility: One family member can get an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 after satisfactory operation of the account for 6 months.
Apart from this, this account is directly linked to Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). It is also very effective for availing benefits of government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Suraksha Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and Mudra Loan.
How to open your Jan Dhan account?
Opening Jan Dhan account has been kept very easy and accessible. Any citizen of India can easily apply by visiting any public or private bank branch or 'Bank Mitra' (Business Correspondent). No upper age limit has been fixed for this and the facility to open a joint account is also available.
To open an account, PAN card, Voter ID, or other recognized document is required as identity proof. Along with this, a passport size photograph and address certificate have to be submitted. The account is activated immediately after verification of documents. Regular interest is received on the amount deposited in this account like a normal savings account.