Government Clarifies on Jan Dhan Accounts

The Department of Financial Services (DFS) under the Ministry of Finance has officially denied media reports suggesting the closure of dormant Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) accounts. The ministry labeled these reports as "factually incorrect" in a statement released on July 8.

Financial Inclusion Campaign Launched

In an effort to promote financial inclusion, the government has initiated a three-month nationwide campaign starting July 1. This campaign aims to increase the adoption of Jan Dhan accounts and associated schemes such as the Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Atal Pension Yojana.

Re-KYC and Account Activation

Banks have been instructed to conduct re-KYC for due accounts and reach out to holders of inoperative accounts to reactivate them. The DFS continues to monitor the status of inactive PMJDY accounts, with no reports of mass closures.

Benefits of PMJDY

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana offers several benefits including no minimum balance requirement, interest on deposits, a free RuPay debit card, and accidental insurance cover up to Rs 2 lakh. Eligible account holders can also avail an overdraft facility up to Rs 10,000.

Eligibility and Documents

For opening a PMJDY account, Aadhaar suffices if available. Otherwise, any one officially valid document like a Voter ID or Passport is required. Even individuals without valid documents can open accounts if deemed "low risk" by the bank.