The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched on August 28, 2014, by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, stands as a cornerstone of India’s mission for financial inclusion. Anchored in the philosophy of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas” (Together with all, Development for all), PMJDY aims to ensure that every Indian household has access to essential financial services, including banking, credit, insurance, and pension, in an affordable and accessible manner. As we move into 2025, the scheme continues to transform lives by bringing millions of unbanked individuals into the formal financial system, fostering economic empowerment and reducing poverty. This article explores the benefits, features, and application process of PMJDY in 2025, highlighting its impact and significance.
What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is a flagship financial inclusion program initiated by the Government of India under the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance. Announced on August 15, 2014, during the Prime Minister’s Independence Day speech from the Red Fort, the scheme was officially launched two weeks later. Its primary objective is to provide universal access to banking facilities, ensuring that every household, particularly those from economically weaker and marginalized sections, has at least one basic banking account. The scheme also promotes financial literacy, access to credit, and social security benefits, making it a holistic approach to financial empowerment.
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| Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana |
PMJDY is recognized globally as one of the largest financial inclusion initiatives, with the Guinness Book of World Records certifying it for opening 18,096,130 bank accounts in one week (August 23–29, 2014). As of July 2025, over 56.10 crore beneficiaries have been banked, with a cumulative balance of ₹264,195.21 crore in PMJDY accounts, and 13.55 lakh Bank Mitras (Business Correspondents) are delivering branchless banking services across India.
Pradhanmantri Ujjwala Yojana 2.0
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana Highlights
| Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana |
|---|---|
| Zero Balance Account | Open a bank account with no minimum balance requirement, making banking accessible to all, especially low-income groups. |
| RuPay Debit Card | Free RuPay Debit Card with ₹1 lakh (pre-2018) or ₹2 lakh (post-2018) accidental insurance, active with usage every 90 days. |
| Overdraft Facility | Up to ₹10,000 overdraft per household after 6 months of satisfactory account operation, with priority to female members. |
| Life Insurance Cover | ₹30,000 life insurance for accounts opened between August 15, 2014, and January 31, 2015, subject to eligibility. |
| Social Security Schemes | Access to PMJJBY (₹2 lakh life cover), PMSBY (₹2 lakh accidental insurance), and APY (pension) at low premiums. |
| Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) | Seamless receipt of government subsidies and welfare benefits, reducing leakages and ensuring timely payments. |
| Digital Banking | Mobile banking via USSD for basic phones, internet banking, and Jan Dhan Darshak App for locating banking touchpoints. |
| Bank Mitra Network | 13.55 lakh Bank Mitras provide branchless banking services in remote areas, enhancing accessibility. |
| Kisan Credit Card Integration | Links Kisan Credit Cards to the RuPay platform, enabling farmers to access credit and banking services easily. |
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Objectives of PMJDY
The PMJDY is designed to address financial exclusion by integrating the underprivileged into the mainstream financial system. Its key objectives include:
- Universal Banking Access: Ensuring every household has at least one basic bank account.
- Financial Literacy: Promoting awareness about savings, credit, insurance, and pension schemes.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Facilitating seamless transfer of government subsidies and welfare scheme benefits to beneficiaries’ accounts, reducing leakages.
- Access to Credit: Providing affordable credit options, including overdraft facilities, to meet financial needs.
- Social Security: Offering insurance and pension schemes to ensure financial stability for the underprivileged.
- Digital Payment Infrastructure: Strengthening digital banking and mobile payment systems to foster a cashless economy.
- maximization of technology to extend banking services to remote and rural areas.
By focusing on these goals, PMJDY empowers individuals, particularly in rural and low-income areas, to participate in economic activities and achieve financial independence.
Today, we mark a momentous occasion— #10YearsOfJanDhan. Congratulations to all the beneficiaries and compliments to all those who worked to make this scheme a success. Jan Dhan Yojana has been paramount in boosting financial inclusion and giving dignity to crores of people,… pic.twitter.com/VgC7wMcZE8
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 28, 2024
Key Features of PMJDY in 2025
The PMJDY scheme is packed with features that make it accessible and beneficial for all, especially the economically disadvantaged. Below are the key features of the scheme as of 2025:
Zero Balance Accounts: PMJDY accounts can be opened with zero minimum balance, eliminating the financial burden of maintaining a specific balance. However, if an account holder wishes to avail of a chequebook, they may need to meet the bank’s minimum balance criteria.RuPay Debit Card: Every PMJDY account holder receives a free RuPay Debit Card, which includes an inbuilt accidental insurance cover of ₹1 lakh for accounts opened before August 28, 2018, and ₹2 lakh for accounts opened after that date. The card must be used at least once every 90 days to keep the insurance active.
Life Insurance Cover: Accounts opened between August 15, 2014, and January 31, 2015, are eligible for a life insurance cover of ₹30,000, subject to specific eligibility conditions.
Overdraft Facility: After six months of satisfactory account operation, account holders can avail of an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 per household, preferably for the female member. The overdraft limit for amounts above ₹2,000 is determined based on the account’s average balance or credit history.
Access to Social Security Schemes:
PMJDY acts as a platform for other government schemes, such as:
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY): Life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh at a low premium.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY): Accidental insurance cover of ₹2 lakh at a nominal premium.
- Atal Pension Yojana (APY): Pension benefits for the unorganized sector.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): PMJDY accounts facilitate DBT for government subsidies and welfare schemes, ensuring timely and transparent transfers. This was particularly impactful during the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana in 2020, where women PMJDY account holders received ₹500 monthly for three months.
Financial Literacy Programs: The scheme emphasizes financial literacy to educate account holders about banking services, savings, and the importance of insurance and credit.
Mobile Banking and Digital Access: PMJDY accounts support mobile banking through USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data) on basic feature phones and internet banking, making it accessible even in remote areas. The Jan Dhan Darshak App helps users locate nearby banking touchpoints like branches, ATMs, and Bank Mitras.
No Restrictions on Transactions: There are no limits on the number or amount of deposits, making the account flexible for users. However, for minors’ accounts (ages 10–14), there is a cap of ₹1 lakh on annual credits and a maximum balance of ₹50,000.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Integration: The scheme links Kisan Credit Cards to the RuPay platform, enabling farmers to access credit and banking services seamlessly.
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Benefits of PMJDY in 2025
The PMJDY has brought transformative changes to India’s financial landscape by empowering millions with access to banking and financial services. Below are the key benefits of the scheme:
- Financial Inclusion: PMJDY has brought millions of unbanked individuals, especially from rural and low-income groups, into the formal banking system. As of 2025, over 56.10 crore accounts have been opened, with a significant portion held by women (approximately 27.08 crore). This promotes gender equality and women’s empowerment.
- Economic Empowerment: By providing access to savings accounts, credit, and insurance, PMJDY enables individuals to save, invest, and plan for their financial future, reducing dependency on informal and exploitative financial systems.
- Direct Benefit Transfers: The scheme ensures that government subsidies, pensions, and welfare benefits are directly credited to beneficiaries’ accounts, minimizing leakages and delays. This has been a game-changer for schemes like MGNREGA and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
- Insurance and Pension Benefits: The free RuPay Debit Card with accidental insurance and access to schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY provides a safety net for account holders, protecting them against financial risks.
- Credit Access: The overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 acts as a lifeline for small-scale entrepreneurs, daily wagers, and households facing financial emergencies.
- Women’s Empowerment: With a focus on women account holders, PMJDY promotes financial independence and decision-making among women, aligning with India’s gender equality goals.
- Digital Banking Growth: By integrating mobile and internet banking, PMJDY has accelerated India’s transition to a digital economy, encouraging cashless transactions and financial literacy.
- Support During Crises: During the COVID-19 pandemic, PMJDY accounts were instrumental in delivering financial aid to millions, showcasing the scheme’s resilience and scalability.
How to Apply for a PMJDY Account in 2025
Opening a PMJDY account is simple and designed to be accessible to all, including those with minimal documentation. Below is a step-by-step guide to applying for a PMJDY account:
Eligibility:
- Any Indian citizen, including minors aged 10 years and above (with a guardian for minors), can open a PMJDY account.
- Individuals who do not have an existing bank account are prioritized, but those with accounts can get a RuPay card to avail of insurance benefits.
Documents Required:
- Aadhaar Card/Number: If available, no other documents are required, as it serves as proof of identity, age, and address.
- Voter ID Card
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- Passport
- NREGA Card
- If the address has changed, a self-certification of the current address is sufficient.
Application Process:
- Visit a Bank or Bank Mitra: Approach any bank branch (public or private) or a Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet. Banks like Bank of Baroda, State Bank of India, and Union Bank of India actively support PMJDY account openings.
- Fill the Account Opening Form: Obtain the PMJDY account opening form (available in Hindi or English) from the bank or download it from the official PMJDY website (www.pmjdy.gov.in) (www.pmjdy.gov.in).
- Submit KYC Documents: Provide the required documents (preferably Aadhaar). If opening through a Bank Mitra, a self-attested photograph may suffice as per RBI guidelines.
- Account Activation: Once the form and documents are verified, the account is opened with zero balance. The bank issues a RuPay Debit Card and a passbook, along with access to mobile and internet banking facilities.
- Additional Services: After opening the account, you can enroll in social security schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, or APY through the bank or Bank Mitra.
- Online Application: Some banks, like Bank of Baroda, allow online applications for PMJDY accounts. Visit the bank’s official website, navigate to the PMJDY section, and follow the instructions to apply. Minors can also open accounts online with free mobile and internet banking facilities.
- Contact for Assistance: For queries or assistance, contact the PMJDY toll-free numbers: 1800 11 0001 or 1800 180 1111. Dedicated toll-free numbers for specific ban
- ks, like 1800 102 7788 for Bank of Baroda, are also available.
Impact of PMJDY in 2025
As of 2025, PMJDY has achieved remarkable milestones:
- 56.10 crore accounts opened, with a total balance of ₹264,195.21 crore, reflecting widespread adoption and trust in the scheme.
- Over 27 crore women account holders, promoting gender inclusivity.
- 13.55 lakh Bank Mitras providing last-mile banking services in rural and remote areas.
- Significant reduction in financial exclusion, with nearly 100% household coverage achieved in many states.
- Strengthened Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), saving the government billions by plugging leakages in subsidy distribution.
The scheme’s success is attributed to its use of technology, simplified KYC norms, and the extensive network of Bank Mitras. However, challenges remain, such as improving policy communication, deepening penetration in low-income states, and enhancing the efficiency of the Bank Mitra model.
PMJDY and India’s Financial Future
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has redefined financial inclusion in India, transforming the lives of millions by providing access to banking, credit, and social security. In 2025, the scheme continues to evolve, leveraging digital innovations and expanding its reach to ensure that no Indian is left behind in the journey toward financial empowerment. By fostering savings, enabling credit access, and securing lives through insurance and pension schemes, PMJDY is not just a financial initiative but a movement for economic justice and inclusivity.For individuals seeking to join this transformative journey, opening a PMJDY account is a simple yet powerful step toward financial independence. Visit your nearest bank or Bank Mitra, or explore online options, and become part of India’s financial inclusion revolution.
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in 2025 continues to be a transformative force in India’s financial inclusion landscape. By opening over 56.10 crore accounts, providing zero-balance banking, RuPay debit cards, and access to credit and insurance, PMJDY empowers millions, especially women and rural communities. Its integration of digital banking and Direct Benefit Transfers ensures transparency and accessibility, fostering economic empowerment. As a cornerstone of India’s vision for inclusive growth, PMJDY bridges financial gaps, promotes literacy, and secures futures, making it a vital step toward a financially inclusive and equitable nation.
FAQs: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) 2025
Q. What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
The PMJDY is a national financial inclusion program launched in 2014 to ensure every Indian household has access to banking, credit, insurance, and pension services. As of 2025, it has opened over 56.10 crore accounts, empowering rural, low-income, and unbanked populations with zero-balance accounts, RuPay debit cards, and social security schemes, fostering economic empowerment and financial literacy.
Q. Who is eligible to open a PMJDY account?
Any Indian citizen, including minors aged 10 years and above (with a guardian), can open a PMJDY account. There are no income or location restrictions, and priority is given to those without existing bank accounts. Individuals with accounts can also open a PMJDY account to access benefits like the RuPay card and insurance.
Q. What documents are required to open a PMJDY account?
An Aadhaar card/number is sufficient as proof of identity, age, and address. If Aadhaar is unavailable, you can submit an Officially Valid Document (OVD) like a Voter ID, Driving License, PAN Card, Passport, or NREGA Card. For a changed address, self-certification of the current address is acceptable, making the process accessible and straightforward.
Q. Is there a minimum balance requirement for a PMJDY account?
No, PMJDY accounts are zero-balance accounts, requiring no minimum balance. This makes banking accessible to all, especially low-income groups. However, if you request a chequebook, the bank may apply its standard minimum balance rules, which vary by institution, so check with your bank for specific requirements.
Q. What is the RuPay Debit Card, and what insurance does it offer?
Every PMJDY account holder receives a free RuPay Debit Card with inbuilt accidental insurance of ₹1 lakh (for accounts opened before August 28, 2018) or ₹2 lakh (for accounts opened after). The card must be used at least once every 90 days to keep the insurance active, providing a vital safety net for account holders.
Q. What is the overdraft facility under PMJDY?
After six months of satisfactory account operation, PMJDY account holders can avail an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 per household, preferably for the female member. This acts as an emergency credit line for small expenses or entrepreneurial needs. The limit above ₹2,000 depends on the account’s average balance or credit history.
Q. How does PMJDY support social security schemes?
PMJDY integrates with schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), offering ₹2 lakh life insurance, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), providing ₹2 lakh accidental insurance, and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for pension benefits. These affordable schemes enhance financial security for account holders, especially in the unorganized sector.
Q. Can I use PMJDY accounts for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT)?
Yes, PMJDY accounts are designed for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), enabling seamless receipt of government subsidies, pensions, and welfare benefits like MGNREGA or PM Kisan Samman Nidhi. This ensures timely, transparent transfers, reducing leakages and empowering beneficiaries with direct access to funds.
Q. How can I apply for a PMJDY account in 2025?
Visit a bank branch, Bank Mitra, or use online banking portals (e.g., Bank of Baroda’s website). Submit the PMJDY form with an Aadhaar card or other OVDs. The account is opened with zero balance, and you receive a RuPay Debit Card. Contact 1800 11 0001 or 1800 180 1111 for assistance.
Q. How does PMJDY promote digital banking?
PMJDY supports mobile banking via USSD on basic phones and internet banking for smartphones. The Jan Dhan Darshak App helps locate banking touchpoints like ATMs and Bank Mitras. This promotes a cashless economy, making banking accessible even in remote areas and encouraging digital transactions among account holders.