New Delhi, March 16:
The Government of India is strengthening the country’s financial inclusion ecosystem through a series of flagship schemes covering banking access, insurance, pensions, and credit facilities. These initiatives aim to expand financial security and improve access to formal financial services for citizens across the country.
Launched in August 2014 as the National Mission for Financial Inclusion, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana has played a key role in bringing unbanked households into the formal banking system.
Jan Dhan accounts cross 57 crore
As of February 25, 2026, a total of 57.78 crore Jan Dhan accounts have been opened with deposits amounting to ₹2.94 lakh crore.
Key highlights include:
32.21 crore accounts (55.8%) held by women
45.17 crore accounts (78.2%) opened in rural and semi-urban areas
The initiative is based on the principle of providing banking access to the unbanked, security to the uninsured, and finance to the underserved.
Insurance and pension coverage expands
Several government-backed insurance and pension schemes are contributing to financial protection for citizens:
Under Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, 26.88 crore cumulative enrolments have been recorded, providing ₹2 lakh life insurance cover in case of death.
The Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana has registered 57.11 crore cumulative enrolments, offering ₹2 lakh accident insurance cover for death or permanent disability and ₹1 lakh for partial disability.
The Atal Pension Yojana has reached 8.84 crore cumulative subscribers, providing guaranteed monthly pension benefits to eligible individuals.
Credit support for entrepreneurs and small businesses
Government-backed credit schemes have also played a significant role in promoting entrepreneurship and income generation.
Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, 57.26 crore loans worth ₹39.48 lakh crore have been sanctioned to micro and small business units in manufacturing, trade, and services sectors.
The Stand-Up India Scheme has approved 2.75 lakh loans worth ₹62,790 crore to support greenfield enterprises promoted by SC/ST and women entrepreneurs.
JAM pipeline enables direct benefit transfers
The government has also established a robust financial inclusion infrastructure through the JAM (Jan Dhan–Aadhaar–Mobile) pipeline, which links bank accounts with Aadhaar numbers and mobile phones.
This platform is widely used by various ministries and departments to deliver welfare benefits through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanisms, improving transparency and efficiency in subsidy distribution.
Officials said these initiatives collectively aim to expand financial security, increase banking penetration, and support inclusive economic growth across India.
