The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on August 28, 2014, has completed 12 years, with more than 59 crore accounts opened, deposits of ₹3.17 lakh crore accumulated and 41.29 crore free-of-cost RuPay debit cards issued, marking a significant transformation in India’s financial inclusion landscape.
Launched as one of the Prime Minister’s first programmes, PMJDY has emerged as the world’s largest financial inclusion initiative and a major instrument for expanding access to formal banking services. The scheme provides every unbanked adult access to a basic bank account without any minimum balance requirement or maintenance charges, said a press release from the Ministry of Finance.
Each PMJDY account comes with a free RuPay debit card offering accident insurance cover of ₹2 lakh. Account holders are also eligible for an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000, providing financial support during emergencies and encouraging greater financial security and digital transactions.
PMJDY accounts have also played a pivotal role in extending life and accident insurance coverage to millions of workers in the unorganised sector through the Jan Suraksha schemes—Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana.
On the occasion, Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary said, “On 28th August 2014, the Hon’ble Prime Minister inaugurated the National Mission on Financial Inclusion, popularly known as Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). Today, I am happy that PMJDY is celebrating its 12th anniversary. We should not see PMJDY just in the light of the opening of more than 59 crore accounts, garnering a deposit balance of ₹3.17 lakh crore, or the issuance of 41.29 crore free-of-cost RuPay cards, but in its transformation of the banking and financial landscape of the country, where the delivery of financial services to the last person in society—the poorest of the poor—has been made possible without delay or the involvement of middlemen.”
The scheme has also made significant strides in reaching rural and semi-urban populations, with 78% of PMJDY accounts opened in these areas. Approximately 56% of the accounts are owned by women, reflecting the scheme’s focus on bringing underprivileged communities, including those living in far-flung areas, into the formal financial sector, according to the press release.
The JAM Trinity- A Game-Changer:
The Jan-Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile (JAM) trinity, with PMJDY at its core, has proven to be a diversion-proof mechanism for the direct delivery of financial assistance. Through JAM, the government has successfully transferred welfare benefits directly into the bank accounts of the underprivileged, eliminating intermediaries and delays.
Milestones and Achievements:
PMJDY Accounts: 59.09 crore
As on 19th August ’26, the total number of PMJDY accounts stands at 59.09 crore; 55.7% (32.92 crore) of Jan Dhan account holders are women, and 77.8% (45.95 crore) of Jan Dhan accounts are in rural and semi-urban areas.
Deposits under PMJDY Accounts – ₹3.17 lakh crore
As on 19th August ’26, the total deposit balances under PMJDY accounts stand at ₹3,16,514 crore. Deposits have increased about 12.8 times, while the number of accounts has increased 2.3 times in the last 12 years (Aug ’26/Aug ’15).
Average Deposit per PMJDY Account – ₹5,356
The average deposit per account is ₹5,356 as on 19 August 2026. The average deposit per account has increased 3.4 times in the last 12 years (Aug ’26/Aug ’15). The increase in the average deposit is another indication of the increased usage of accounts and the inculcation of saving habits among account holders.
RuPay Cards Issued to PMJDY Account Holders: 41.29 crore
As on 19th August ’26, 41.29 crore RuPay cards have been issued to PMJDY account holders. The number and usage of RuPay cards have increased over time.
As PMJDY enters its 13th year, it continues to be a beacon of inclusive growth, digital innovation, and economic empowerment. Its enduring success reflects India’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen is left behind in the journey towards financial well-being, said the Press Release from the Ministry of Finance.
-PIB inputs
