PM Jan Dhan Yojana: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) is a government scheme launched on 15th August 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help poor people open zero balance bank accounts in government banks and post offices. The scheme was implemented across India from 28th August 2014.
Purpose of the Scheme
The main goal is to ensure that every Indian citizen has a bank account, especially those who couldn’t open one due to minimum balance rules or lack of knowledge. It helps people connect to the formal banking system and benefit from other government schemes.
Key Features
- Zero Balance Account: You don’t need to keep any minimum amount in the account.
- For Everyone: Both people from villages and cities can benefit.
- Easy to Open: Children above 10 years can open an account.
- Free Insurance: You get ₹1 lakh accidental insurance and ₹30,000 life insurance. (Nominee receives it in case of account holder’s death.)
- RuPay Debit Card: You get an ATM-like card for use in shops or ATMs. It also includes accidental cover of ₹2 lakh.
- Mobile Banking: Basic banking services are available on your mobile.
- Overdraft Facility: After using the account regularly for 6 months, you can get up to ₹10,000 loan without documents, and up to ₹15,000 if the account is held by a woman.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Money from government schemes is directly sent to this account.
Who Can Apply
- Any Indian citizen aged 10 or above.
- People aged 18 to 59 are eligible for the insurance benefits.
- Meant for poor and economically weaker sections.
- Government employees and taxpayers are not eligible.
Benefits of Jan Dhan Account
- Earn interest on money in your account.
- Transfer money anywhere in India.
- Pension, insurance, credit, and other services through one account.
- Can be opened jointly (for example, with a family member).
Additional Services
- Micro Credit: Regular users can get ₹5,000 credit without security.
- Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana: Accident insurance of ₹2 lakh for ₹12 per year.
- Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Bima Yojana: Life insurance of ₹2 lakh for ₹330 per year.
Documents Required
- Aadhaar card
- ID proof (like PAN card, voter ID)
- Passport-size photo
- Address proof
- Mobile number
How to Open a Jan Dhan Account
Offline Method:
- Visit your nearest bank branch.
- Ask for the Jan Dhan account form.
- Fill in the details and attach the required documents.
- Submit it at the bank.
- Your account will be opened after verification.
Online Start (Partial):
- Visit www.pmjdy.gov.in.
- Download the form in Hindi or English.
- Fill it and take it to the bank with your documents.
Rules and Limits
- You can deposit up to ₹1 lakh per year.
- Account balance should not exceed ₹50,000 at any time.
- Withdrawals are limited to ₹10,000 per month.
- If these limits are not followed, your account may be valid only for 12 months and further documents may be needed.
Convert Old Account to Jan Dhan
You can convert your existing bank account into a Jan Dhan account by visiting your bank, filling out a form, and applying for a RuPay card.
Check Account Balance
1. Online:
- Go to https://pmmodiyojana.in
- Click on “Know Your Payment” and follow the steps with OTP.
2. Missed Call:
- Call 8004253800 or 1800112211 from your registered mobile number to get your balance info (for SBI, other banks may have different numbers).
Progress and Feedback
- Visit https://pmjdy.gov.in to view progress reports and provide feedback.
- Click on “Right to Us” for feedback and status checks using your reference number.