The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a National Mission for Financial Inclusion, launched in August 2014 by the Prime Minister. The goal was to bring every citizen into the formal banking system and encourage them to manage their finances effectively.This scheme focuses on banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, funding the unfunded, and reaching underserved areas. In 2018, the focus of PMJDY shifted from “every household” to “every unbanked adult.”
Features & Benefits of PMJDY
- Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account (BSBDA):
- No minimum balance required
- Access to banking services via branches, ATMs, or Banking Correspondents (BCs)
- Maximum of 4 cash withdrawals per month
- Small Account / Chota Khata:
- Can be opened without official documents
- Valid for 12 months, extendable for another 12 months if proof of document application is provided
- Suitable for those who don’t have valid ID at the time of opening
- RuPay Debit Card with Accident Insurance:
- Free RuPay debit card with built-in accident insurance
- ₹2 lakh cover for accounts opened after 28.08.2018
- ₹1 lakh cover for earlier accounts
- Overdraft Facility:
- Overdraft (OD) facility up to ₹10,000 available to eligible account holders
- Banking Correspondents (BCs) / Bank Mitras:
- Bank-appointed agents who provide banking services in remote rural areas
- Help with account openings, deposits, withdrawals, and basic support
- Act as a bridge between banks and rural customers
Also Read.
Eligibility Criteria
- The applicant must be an Indian citizen
- Minors above 10 years can also open an account with guardian support
Step-by-Step Application Process (Offline)
- Visit the official PMJDY website
- Go to the “E-Documents” section
- Click on the “Account Opening Form” (available in English and Hindi)
- Download and print the form (PDF)
- Fill in the required details such as:
- Bank branch
- Village/town name
- District/block
- Aadhaar number
- Occupation
- Annual income
- Kisan Credit Card details (if applicable)
- Submit the filled form at your nearest bank branch
While submitting, carry the required documents and provide your mobile number or email ID
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card
- Government-issued ID (Voter ID / PAN / Ration Card)
- Proof of permanent address (Passport / Driving License / Electricity or Water Bill)
- Passport-sized photograph
- Filled and signed PMJDY application form
- Any other document as notified by the Government
PM Jan Dhan Yojana has played a major role in expanding banking access across India. With features like zero-balance accounts, free RuPay cards, and overdraft facilities, the scheme empowers low-income and underserved communities.