PM Jan Dhan Yojana 2025 updates – Over 54.58 crore accounts opened, 55.7% held by women. Learn about financial inclusion, DBT benefits, and exam-relevant insights.
“PM Jan Dhan Yojana: A Decade of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment”
Establishing Financial Foundations – PMJDY’s Journey So Far
Launched on 28 August 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was envisioned as a nationwide financial inclusion mission to bring every unbanked individual into the formal banking fold Since then, it has registered extraordinary expansion: as of January 15, 2025, the scheme has crossed 54.58 crore bank accounts, with women constituting 55.7% of the holders
Women Leading the Charge
PMJDY’s emphasis on gender inclusion shines through: over 30.37 crore accounts have been opened in women’s names by early 2025 This aligns with earlier milestones: after 10 years, approximately 55.6% of accounts belonged to women, and 66.6% of accounts were in rural and semi-urban regions
Robust Financial Activation & Social Security Integration
PMJDY has evolved beyond account opening. As of August 2024, the total deposit balance stood at ₹2.3 trillion, and the average account balance rose from just ₹1,065 in 2015 to ₹4,352 Importantly, PMJDY has served as a gateway for social security schemes:
- PMJJBY enrollments: 22.52 crore
- PMSBY enrollments: 49.12 crore
- APY enrollments: 7.25 crore
Earlier stats (July 2024) showed similar figures: ~52.81 crore accounts, 29.37 crore with women, and strong rural participation
Strength Amid Challenges
Not all accounts remain operative. As of November 2024, there were about 11.30 crore inoperative accounts, holding ₹14,750 crore in dormant deposits That said, the share of inactive accounts in public sector banks decreased significantly—from 39.62% in March 2017 to 20.91% by late 2024, reflecting active re-engagement efforts
What’s Next? Expanding the Reach
The government’s plan for the fiscal year 2024–25 includes adding another 3 crore PMJDY accounts States like Telangana have achieved 100% adult coverage with elaborations like simplified e-KYC and increased RuPay insurance benefits Additionally, states such as Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are conducting saturation campaigns to reactivate inactive accounts and boost coverage of social security schemes
B) Why This News Is Important
Boosts Financial Literacy & Inclusion
PMJDY’s expansion means millions, especially from underserved and rural areas, now actively participate in the financial system. This inclusion is critical for achieving equitable economic development.
Catalyst for Wider Social Protection
By acting as the infrastructure for DBT, insurance, pensions, and other schemes, PMJDY significantly improves the reach and delivery of welfare benefits while minimizing leakages.
Empowers Women — A Game Changer
Women’s majority ownership—over 55% of PMJDY accounts—is transformative, fostering financial independence and decision-making power among women across the country.
Encourages Savings & Economic Resilience
Rising average balances—from ₹1,065 to over ₹4,300 in under a decade—highlight growing savings habits. Active accounts also support more efficient fiscal management and life-event resilience.
Aligns With Exam Syllabus for Governance & Economy
PMJDY intersects themes like financial inclusion, gender equity, rural policy, and public welfare delivery—essential content areas for exams targeting civil services, banking, teaching, and administrative roles.
C) Historical Context
Origins & Launch:
Announced on 15 August 2014, PMJDY was launched on 28 August 2014 to address “financial untouchability” and link every Indian to formal banking On launch day, 15 million accounts were opened, fulfilling a Guinness World Record for the most accounts opened in a week
Early Momentum:
By early years, the scheme saw rapid adoption. By 2015–2022, account numbers rose to 46.25 crore, deposits crossed ₹1.7 lakh crore, and creditors like RuPay cards and DBT channels became prominent
Social Security Integration:
PMJDY became the backbone for programs like PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY. Over time, it evolved into a key enabler of welfare and inclusion policies
D) Key Takeaways from “PM Jan Dhan Yojana: A Decade of Financial Inclusion and Empowerment”
| S. No. | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|
| 1 | Over 54.58 crore PMJDY accounts opened by Jan 2025; 55.7% held by women. |
| 2 | Average account balance rose to ₹4,352 by August 2024, from just ₹1,065 in 2015. |
| 3 | PMJDY integrates social schemes—PMJJBY (22.52 cr), PMSBY (49.12 cr), APY (7.25 cr). |
| 4 | Significant drop in inoperative accounts—from 39.62% (2017) to 20.91% (2024). |
| 5 | India aims to add 3 crore more accounts in FY 2024–25; Telangana achieved 100% coverage. |
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the objective of PM Jan Dhan Yojana?
The scheme aims to provide universal access to financial services such as bank accounts, credit, insurance, pensions, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) for all households, especially the unbanked.
2. When was the PMJDY launched?
It was officially launched on 28 August 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
3. How many accounts have been opened under PMJDY till January 2025?
As of 15 January 2025, more than 54.58 crore accounts have been opened.
4. What percentage of PMJDY accounts belong to women?
Over 55.7% of Jan Dhan accounts are held by women, highlighting the scheme’s focus on gender inclusion.
5. Which state recently achieved 100% coverage of PMJDY?
Telangana has achieved complete coverage of PMJDY for all adults.
6. What is the average balance in PMJDY accounts in 2024?
The average account balance increased to around ₹4,352 in 2024, compared to just ₹1,065 in 2015.
7. What social security schemes are linked with PMJDY?
PMJDY accounts are linked with PMJJBY (insurance), PMSBY (insurance), and APY (pension scheme).
8. What is the Guinness World Record associated with PMJDY?
On the launch day in August 2014, 15 million bank accounts were opened, earning a Guinness World Record.
9. What is the government’s plan for PMJDY in FY 2024–25?
The government plans to open an additional 3 crore accounts during the fiscal year.
10. Why is PMJDY important for competitive exams?
It integrates topics of financial inclusion, women empowerment, rural development, and welfare delivery systems, which are crucial for UPSC, SSC, banking, teaching, and state PSC exams.
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