Transformative schemes boost financial inclusion, insurance, and entrepreneurship

Introduction

Financial inclusion remains a key government priority, striving to provide banking, credit, and insurance services to the unbanked and underserved. Through initiatives like the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and others, the government is working to empower individuals, secure financial futures, and promote entrepreneurship. The motto, "From Jan Dhan to Jan Suraksha," encapsulates the vision of financial security and inclusive growth for all.

Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)

Launched in August 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) aimed to bring the unbanked into the formal financial system by expanding access to savings accounts, credit, remittance, insurance, and pensions. Over the decade, it has empowered weaker sections and low-income groups, playing a key role in financial inclusion and economic integration. According to the World Bank's Global Findex Database 2021, bank account ownership in India more than doubled in the past decade, rising from 35 percent in 2011 to 78 percent in 2021.

Key Achievements:

5. Accounts Opened: Grew from 14.72 crore in March 2015 to 54.58 crore by January 15, 2025.
5. Deposits: Increased from ₹15,670 crore in March 2015 to ₹2,46,595 crore by January 2025.
5. RuPay Cards: 37.29 crore cards issued to PMJDY accountholders as of January 15, 2025, enhancing digital transactions. 

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Launched on May 9, 2015, Atal Pension Yojana (APY) provides social security to unorganised sector workers. It ensures financial stability for the poor and underprivileged. The scheme was operationalised on June 1, 2015. APY is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). It functions under the National Pension System (NPS) framework.

Key Achievements:

5. Growth of APY: The Atal Pension Yojana surged from 1.54 crore enrolments in March 2019 to 7.33 crore by January 2025. Its predecessor, the Swavalamban scheme, had 3.01 Lakh enrolments as of 2010-11.
6. FY 2024-25 Progress: Over 89.95 lakh enrolments in the current Financial Year 2024-25.

 Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Launched on May 9, 2015, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) is a government-backed life insurance scheme. Proposed in the 2015 budget, it aimed to expand insurance coverage beyond the then 20% of the population. The scheme provides one-year renewable life insurance covering death from any cause.

Key Achievements:

5. Enrolments: Grew from 3.1 crore in FY 2016-17 to 22.52 crore as of January 15, 2025.
5. Claims Disbursed: ₹17,600 crore disbursed against 8,80,037 claims from a total of 9,13,165 claims received.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Launched on May 9, 2015, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) is an accident insurance scheme covering death and disability. It is a one-year renewable policy aimed at increasing insurance penetration. The scheme provides coverage to individuals aged 18-70 with a savings or post office account, benefiting the poor and underprivileged.

Key Achievements:

5. Enrolments: 49.12 crore cumulative enrolments as of January 15, 2025.
5. Claims Processed: ₹2,994.75 crore disbursed against 1,50,805 claims from a total of 1,98,446 claims received.

Stand-Up India Scheme

Launched on April 5, 2016, the Stand-Up India Scheme promotes entrepreneurship among women, SCs, and STs. It provides bank loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹1 crore for greenfield enterprises in manufacturing, services, trading, and allied agriculture. The scheme aims to empower aspiring entrepreneurs by easing financial barriers.

Key Achievements:

5. Progress: Loan amount sanctioned increased from ₹3,683 crore in March 2018 to ₹53,609 crore by July 2024.
5. Beneficiaries: 2.36 lakh loans granted to SC/ST and women entrepreneurs as of July 2024.

 Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Launched on April 8, 2015, Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) supports small and micro enterprises with loans up to ₹10 lakh. In Union Budget 2024-25, the loan limit was increased to ₹20 lakh. MUDRA facilitates financial inclusion by refinancing micro units and empowering aspiring entrepreneurs.

Key Achievements:

5. Loans Sanctioned: ₹32.36 lakh crore sanctioned for 51.41 crore loans (as of Jan 2025)
5. Borrower Distribution: 68% loans to women and 50% to SC/ST/OBC categories