New Delhi, Feb 10
The Indian government has announced that a total of 54.58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened as of January 15, 2025. Of these, 30.37 crore accounts (55.7%) belong to women.
Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched in August 2014 to provide banking services to every household in India. The scheme aims to help people who previously did not have access to banks, focusing on women, rural areas, and underserved communities.
To expand its reach, the scheme was extended beyond August 14, 2018, shifting the focus from “every household” to “every unbanked adult”. The government also linked social security and credit schemes to these accounts, benefiting millions of women.
Banking Services at the Doorstep
A strong network of 13 lakh banking correspondents (BCs) is helping people, especially in remote areas, open bank accounts and access financial services.
To make digital banking easier, 107 digital banking units (DBUs) have been set up by various banks across India. These units help people open savings accounts, print passbooks, transfer funds, and apply for loans.
Government Efforts to Boost Awareness
The government is taking steps to ensure that financial schemes reach women, rural populations, and marginalized groups. This includes:
- Setting targets for banks to open more accounts under the scheme.
- Organizing awareness camps to educate people about the benefits.
- Reviewing the performance of banks to ensure effective implementation.
All banks, including private banks, are involved in making financial services accessible to all. The government is also working with state authorities to address challenges like low enrollment and lack of awareness.
The Jan Dhan scheme has played a crucial role in empowering women and promoting financial inclusion, ensuring that banking services reach every corner of the country.
