Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, has completed 11 years of reshaping India’s financial inclusion landscape. Celebrated as the world’s largest initiative of its kind, the scheme has brought millions of previously unbanked citizens into the formal banking system, bridging gaps in access to financial services and empowering marginalized communities.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted that financial inclusion is a vital driver of economic growth, enabling the poor to participate fully in the formal economy.
As of August 13, 2025, the scheme has achieved a milestone of 56.16 crore accounts, with women holding 55.7% (31.31 crore) of them and 66.7% (37.48 crore) based in rural and semi-urban areas. The total deposits in these accounts have soared to Rs 2,67,756 crore, nearly 12 times higher than in August 2015, signifying increased savings and financial participation.
Over 38 crore RuPay debit cards have been issued under PMJDY, supporting India’s rapid digital transition. Digital transactions have grown exponentially, with UPI financial transactions rising from 535 crore in FY 2018–19 to 18,587 crore in FY 2024–25, while RuPay card usage at PoS and e-commerce jumped from 67 crore in FY 2017–18 to 93.85 crore in FY 2024–25.
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary termed PMJDY one of the world’s most successful financial inclusion initiatives, emphasizing that it symbolizes dignity, empowerment, and opportunity. He highlighted saturation campaigns aimed at ensuring universal banking access, alongside insurance and pension coverage, reaching even the remotest Gram Panchayats across India.
The scheme has also become a key channel for Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT), ensuring transparency and efficiency in delivering subsidies, pensions, and other welfare payments. It has further extended the reach of social security through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, covering millions of workers in the unorganized sector.
With its mission-mode execution, regulatory support, and integration of digital public infrastructure like Aadhaar and UPI, PMJDY has emerged as a game-changer for financial inclusion. As it steps into its 12th year, the scheme continues to drive inclusive growth, digital innovation, and economic empowerment.
