PMJDY
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on 28 August 2014 — and in the first few days, 1.8 crore bank accounts were opened, entering the Guinness World Record for the most bank accounts opened in a week under a financial inclusion drive.
PMJDY is the foundation of India's JAM trinity (Jan Dhan + Aadhaar + Mobile) — the infrastructure through which virtually every government direct benefit is now transferred. PM-KISAN instalments, LPG subsidies, MGNREGS wages, scholarships, and COVID-19 relief all flowed through Jan Dhan accounts.
**The Zero-Balance Account:** Any Indian citizen aged 10 and above can open a PMJDY account at any bank branch, post office, or Bank Mitra (Business Correspondent) with zero minimum balance requirement. No penalty for not maintaining a balance. The account comes with a RuPay debit card (free).
**RuPay Debit Card Benefits:**
- Free ATM withdrawals (limits vary by bank)
- Can be used for UPI-linked transactions
- Comes with built-in accidental insurance of ₹2 lakh (for accounts opened after 28 August 2018) — but the card must have been used at least once in the 45 days before the accident
**Overdraft Facility:** After 6 months of satisfactory account operation, eligible Jan Dhan account holders can avail an overdraft of up to ₹10,000. This is a remarkable credit access milestone for people who previously had no banking relationship. The overdraft is available to one account holder per household — preference given to women.
**Mobile Banking & UPI:** Jan Dhan accounts linked to mobile numbers can access UPI (Unified Payments Interface) through BHIM or bank apps — enabling digital payments even at rural merchants with ₹0 transaction cost.
**Interoperability:** Jan Dhan account holders can use any bank's ATM, any Bank Mitra outlet, and any UPI-enabled app — the account is not locked to the issuing bank.
As of 2024, Jan Dhan accounts hold over ₹2.3 lakh crore in deposits — a testament to the savings habit it has built among India's poorest citizens.
Key Objectives
- Provide universal access to banking services for every unbanked household.
- Enable Direct Benefit Transfer for all government welfare programmes.
- Promote savings, credit, insurance, and pension access for the financially excluded.
- Build the DBT infrastructure that underpins India's entire social protection system.
Benefits
Eligibility
- Any Indian citizen aged 10 years and above
- No existing bank account (specifically for unbanked persons)
- Even without documents: Small Account can be opened with self-attested photo
- Minor aged 10–18 can open with guardian's consent
- One PMJDY account per person (officially)
- Overdraft available to one member per household (preferably woman)
- For overdraft: 6 months of satisfactory account operation required
How to Apply
Step 1: Visit any bank branch, post office, or Bank Mitra (BC) outlet nearest to you
Step 2: Request PMJDY account opening form
Step 3: Submit Aadhaar (simplest — opens account immediately) OR any 2 of: Voter ID, Driving Licence, PAN Card, NREGA Job Card, Passport
Step 4: If no documents at all: submit self-declaration form with photograph for 'Small Account' (limited features, valid 1 year, extendable)
Step 5: Account opened immediately — passbook and temporary RuPay card issued
Step 6: Permanent RuPay card received by post within 7–14 days
Step 7: Link Aadhaar to account (if not done at opening) to receive DBT benefits
Step 8: After 6 months — apply for overdraft facility if needed
Required Documents
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a Jan Dhan account if I already have a bank account?
PMJDY is intended for previously unbanked persons. Officially, one should not open a PMJDY account if you already have a savings account. However, there is no hard technical block, and some people do have both. The Jan Dhan-specific benefits (zero balance, RuPay insurance, overdraft) are designed for those without prior banking access.
What is the ₹2 lakh accident insurance on Jan Dhan RuPay card?
The RuPay Debit Card issued with Jan Dhan accounts comes with built-in accidental death and permanent disability insurance of ₹2 lakh (for accounts opened after 28 August 2018). To claim, the card must have been used at least once in the 45 days before the accident. Claim through your bank branch — required documents: death certificate (or disability certificate), nominee's KYC, and insurance claim form.
How do I get the ₹10,000 overdraft on my Jan Dhan account?
After operating your Jan Dhan account satisfactorily for at least 6 months, visit your bank branch and apply for the overdraft facility. The bank assesses your account usage and creditworthiness. Overdraft preference is given to the woman account holder of the household. The ₹10,000 overdraft must be repaid within 30 days.
Can I receive PM-KISAN, LPG subsidy, and other government benefits in my Jan Dhan account?
Yes — this is the primary purpose of Jan Dhan accounts. Aadhaar must be linked to your Jan Dhan account. Once linked, any DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) scheme can credit directly to this account. Over 300 government schemes use Jan Dhan for DBT — PM-KISAN, MGNREGS wages, LPG subsidy, PMJJBY/PMSBY insurance, scholarship payments, etc.
My Jan Dhan account has become dormant. What should I do?
Visit your bank branch or Bank Mitra outlet with your Aadhaar and passbook. Submit a written request to reactivate the account along with a fresh KYC form. The bank will reactivate it after verification. You may need to submit updated address proof if you've relocated. Reactivation is free.
Can a 10-year-old child open a Jan Dhan account?
Yes. Jan Dhan accounts are available for persons aged 10 and above. For minors (10–18 years), the account is opened jointly with a guardian or parent who operates it on the minor's behalf. On turning 18, the account is converted to a regular individual PMJDY account.