Jan Dhan milestone: Over 58 crore accounts bring millions into formal banking system, says FM Sitharaman

Finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said more than 58 crore Jan Dhan accounts have brought crores of Indians into the formal banking system, strengthening financial inclusion across the country.The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) has ensured that benefits under welfare schemes, low-cost insurance and pension programmes reach beneficiaries without leakages, the Finance Minister's Office said in a post on X."Garib Kalyan is Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi's guarantee of dignity, opportunity and empowerment for every Indian," Sitharaman said.She added that India has stood out globally in its fight against poverty and deprivation.Launched on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana is among the world's largest financial inclusion initiatives. According to official data, 56% of PMJDY account holders are women, while 67% of the accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas.The scheme has also facilitated direct transfer of benefits worth Rs 45 lakh crore into beneficiary accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.Currently, 94% of India's adult population has a bank account.Accounts opened under the scheme offer a zero-balance facility, free RuPay cards, accidental insurance cover and an overdraft facility.The government said the programme has helped bring millions into the formal financial system, transforming lives and strengthening the country's economy