Have Jan Dhan accounts really reached a total of Rs 2.75 lakh crore?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Jan Dhan accounts now hold a total of Rs 2.75 lakh crore.
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has integrated over 57 crore individuals into the banking system.
- Approximately 78.2% of accounts are located in rural areas.
- Women's participation in these accounts is around 50%.
- Direct Benefit Transfers have facilitated transparency in government support.
New Delhi, Dec 7 (NationPress) The journey toward financial inclusion in India has achieved a significant landmark, as Jan Dhan accounts nationwide now boast a cumulative balance of approximately Rs 2.75 lakh crore.
This translates to an average balance of Rs 4,815 per account, as stated by M. Nagaraju, the Secretary of the Department of Financial Services.
During the 69th Foundation Day Lecture on India’s Financial Inclusion Journey at the Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI), Nagaraju commented on the remarkable changes in how citizens access and utilize financial services.
He characterized the nation’s advancements as “nothing short of a miracle,” highlighting the pivotal role played by the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), initiated in 2014, which has successfully integrated over 57 crore individuals into the formal banking ecosystem.
Nagaraju emphasized that financial inclusion is now intricately tied to India’s development framework, particularly through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT).
In the current fiscal year alone, a staggering Rs 3.67 lakh crore has been directly disbursed to beneficiaries, ensuring both transparency and timely provision of government support.
He pointed out that a significant number of Jan Dhan accounts are helping residents outside the major urban centers.
Approximately 78.2 percent of these accounts are situated in rural or semi-urban locales, with women representing about 50 percent of account holders.
This, he explained, underscores the government’s commitment to empowering rural families and enhancing financial access for women.
Nagaraju also noted that India’s Financial Inclusion Index has consistently improved, reaching 67 by March 2025.
This growth signals enhanced access, broader usage, and better quality of financial services, bolstered by ongoing initiatives under the PMJDY.
In response to inquiries, the DFS Secretary mentioned that LIC is nearing completion of the digitization of both product purchasing and benefits distribution systems.
These fully digital services are anticipated to be launched for consumers “in a couple of months.”
India's financial inclusion efforts are gaining traction through awareness campaigns and grassroots initiatives nationwide.
Recently, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra participated in a Jan Dhan anniversary event in Indore, reiterating that financial inclusion remains central to India's growth narrative.