Jan Dhan Yojana changed the lives of the poor, 55.90 crore people of the country connected to the banking system in 11 years.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) has described the Jan Dhan Yojana as a great success for the poor. This scheme has connected more than 55.90 crore people to the banking system in 11 years and has given them modern facilities like debit cards. Also, it has made it easier to get loans for small businesses and self-employment through schemes like Mudra and Swanidhi.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) said on Tuesday about the Jan Dhan Yojana that the Jan Dhan Yojana has proved to be a huge success for the poor of the country. This scheme has changed the lives of crores of people who never even had a bank account before. Now they not only have their own bank account, but they are living with respect and self-reliance. The PMO shared an article on the social media platform 'X' and told how this scheme has changed the picture of the country on completion of 11 years. Let us tell you that according to the government, more than 55.90 crore accounts have been opened so far under this scheme.

What was the biggest problem?

Earlier, a poor man used to keep his money either at home or with a moneylender. Going to the bank seemed like a big deal. To end this problem, the government started the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in August 2014. Its only purpose was to connect every citizen of the country to the banking system.

What benefits did people get?

Under this scheme, people got many great facilities like-
Facility to open an account with zero balance.
A RuPay Debit Card was provided, through which they can withdraw money from the ATM.
Overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 if needed.

Getting a loan also became easy

According to the government, more than 55.90 crore accounts have been opened so far under this scheme. The government did not stop at just opening bank accounts, but also ensured that these account holders could easily get loans to start their work.

Mudra Yojana: For those who want to start their own small business (like opening a shop, installing a sewing machine), there is Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY). Under this, a loan of up to Rs 20 lakh is given without any guarantee. So far, more than 53.85 crore loans worth Rs 35.13 lakh crore have been distributed under this scheme.

Other schemes: Apart from this, many special schemes like Stand-Up India for SC/ST and women entrepreneurs, PM Swanidhi for street vendors, and Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma for artisans (like carpenters, blacksmiths) are also running.

New system for giving loans in villages

Now the government is creating a 'village credit score' using technology. This will also reveal the loan taking capacity of those people who do not have any old banking record. This will help self-help groups (SHGs), farmers and other rural people to get loans easily and in the right way.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to the news

1. What is this Jan Dhan Yojana?

This is a government scheme whose aim is to connect the poorest of the poor people of the country to the bank. Under this scheme, anyone can open their bank account with zero balance.

2. What are the benefits of opening a Jan Dhan account?

It has many benefits. You get a RuPay debit card, with which you can withdraw money from the ATM. Also, the account gets an accident insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh and if needed, an overdraft (facility of borrowing from the bank) facility of up to Rs 10,000 is also available.

3. If I have a Jan Dhan account, can I also get a loan to start my work?

Yes, absolutely. Having a Jan Dhan account creates a banking record of you. You can easily apply for a loan to start your small business under other government schemes like Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Swanidhi Yojana or Vishwakarma Yojana.

4. What is this Mudra Yojana under which you get a loan?

This is a loan scheme for small traders and people starting their own business. Under this, any person can take a loan of Rs 50 thousand to Rs 20 lakh to start his own shop, cart or any other small business without any guarantee.