Friday, August 16, 2019
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched by the Government of India on August 28, 2014, is a financial inclusion initiative that aims to provide banking services to all households in India. The primary objective of PMJDY is to ensure that every family has access to banking facilities, promoting financial literacy, and encouraging saving habits among the economically weaker sections of society.
Key Features and Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):
1. Universal Access to Banking: PMJDY ensures that every household in the country has access to a bank account. It targets unbanked and underbanked areas and communities.
2. No Minimum Balance Requirement: PMJDY accounts can be opened with zero balance, making banking services accessible to individuals with low income.
3. Rupay Debit Card: Account holders are provided with a Rupay debit card, which enables them to make transactions, withdraw money, and make online purchases.
4. Accidental Insurance Cover: PMJDY provides accidental insurance cover of ₹2 lakh for the account holder and an additional life insurance cover of ₹30,000 in case of the account holder's death.
5. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): PMJDY accounts are used for Direct Benefit Transfer, ensuring that government subsidies, scholarships, and other benefits are directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts, reducing leakages and ensuring transparency.
6. Overdraft Facility: Account holders who maintain their accounts properly for six months are eligible for overdraft facilities, providing them with a credit line for emergencies.
7. Financial Literacy: PMJDY also focuses on financial literacy programs to educate account holders about the benefits of banking services, savings, and responsible financial management.
8. Savings and Investments: PMJDY encourages account holders to save money and invest in various financial products, promoting a culture of savings.
PMJDY has played a significant role in increasing financial inclusion in India. By providing basic banking services to millions of previously unbanked individuals, it has contributed to the country's economic growth and development by ensuring that financial services reach even the remotest corners of the nation.