Assam has emerged as one of India’s leading states in financial inclusion, recording nearly 80% coverage under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), significantly higher than the national average of 48%, according to experts at a regional workshop organised by the Press Information Bureau in Guwahati.

Key Highlights

• Assam has 79,894 Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana accounts per lakh population, compared to the national average of 47,743.
• Over ₹16,640 crore has been transferred directly to around 1.82 crore beneficiaries through Direct Benefit Transfer schemes in Assam during the last four years.
• The workshop highlighted the role of the Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile (JAM) Trinity, Unified Payments Interface, Self-Help Groups and digital banking in promoting financial empowerment.
• Expansion of bank branches, Automated Teller Machines and Business Correspondent networks has strengthened last-mile banking services across the State.
• The initiative supports the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 by promoting inclusive economic growth and financial security.

About Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana

• Launched: 28 August 2014
• Ministry: Ministry of Finance
• Objective: To provide universal access to banking services, savings accounts, credit, insurance, pension and digital financial services to every household.
• Implemented through: Public Sector Banks, Private Banks, Regional Rural Banks and India Post Payments Bank.

Eligibility

• Available to all Indian citizens.
• Individuals aged 18–59 years are eligible for insurance benefits.
• Minors above 10 years can open accounts with the support of a legal guardian.

Jan Dhan Account Features

• Accounts can be opened at any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra) outlet.
• Zero-balance savings account with no mandatory minimum balance.
• Free RuPay Debit Card for ATM withdrawals and digital payments.
• Cheque book facility is available subject to minimum balance requirements.

Key Benefits

• Accident Insurance: Up to ₹2 lakh with the RuPay Debit Card.
• Life Insurance: Up to ₹30,000 for eligible first-time account holders.
• Overdraft Facility: Up to ₹10,000 per eligible household after satisfactory account operation.
• Direct Benefit Transfer: Government subsidies and welfare benefits are credited directly into beneficiaries’ accounts.

Significance for Assam

• Financial inclusion has expanded banking access in rural and remote areas.
• Digital payments and Direct Benefit Transfers have reduced leakages and improved welfare delivery.
• Greater access to formal banking has strengthened entrepreneurship, savings habits and economic empowerment.
• The success demonstrates the growing role of digital public infrastructure in achieving inclusive development.

Exam Hook: Prelims Question

Q. With reference to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), consider the following statements:

1. It aims to provide universal access to banking facilities.
2. It supports Direct Benefit Transfer through bank accounts.
3. It is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

One-Line Wrap

Assam’s remarkable progress under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana showcases how financial inclusion, digital banking and Direct Benefit Transfer are driving inclusive and sustainable economic development.