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Social Welfare & PensionOfficial Info Verified
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
National Mission for Financial Inclusion providing universal access to zero-balance basic savings bank accounts, a free RuPay debit card with ₹2 Lakh inbuilt accidental insurance, up to ₹10,000 overdraft facility, and seamless Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) integration.
Department: Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India (regulated by Reserve Bank of India and implemented across all Commercial Banks, RRBs, and Bank Mitras)
Minimum Balance
₹0 (Zero Balance)
No maintenance charges or minimum penalty
RuPay Accident Insurance
₹2,00,000 (₹2 Lakh)
For cards issued post-Aug 2018 (90-day active)
Overdraft Limit
Up to ₹10,000
After 6 months of satisfactory operations
Official National Portal
pmjdy.gov.in
Department of Financial Services, MoF
Language:
Scheme Overview
What is Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)?
Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on 28 August 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, Government of India, as the world’s largest financial inclusion mission. Structured around the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile), PMJDY guarantees: (1) Universal Banking Access with zero minimum balance requirement (BSBDA account) and interest earnings on savings deposits; (2) Free RuPay Debit Card equipped with ₹2,00,000 (₹2 Lakh) inbuilt Accidental Insurance Cover (applicable for cards issued post-28 August 2018, subject to at least one transaction within 90 days); (3) Overdraft (OD) Facility of up to ₹10,000 (with an initial sanction of up to ₹2,000 without conditions) for eligible account holders aged 18–65 years after 6 months of satisfactory account operation; (4) Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Pipeline enabling transparent crediting of welfare subsidies (PM-KISAN, PAHAL LPG subsidy, MGNREGA wages, NSAP pensions, Lakshmir Bhandar, etc.); and (5) Financial Literacy and Micro-Insurance Linkage with social security schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, and Atal Pension Yojana (APY). In West Bengal, unbanked individuals can open a PMJDY account at any branch of public/private commercial banks, Regional Rural Banks (Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank, Paschim Banga Gramin Bank, Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank), or through local Bank Mitra / Customer Service Point (CSP) kiosks.
Primary Purpose:To eradicate financial untouchability by bringing every unbanked adult into the formal banking system with a zero-minimum-balance savings account, RuPay debit card, accidental insurance, credit linkage through overdraft, and direct delivery of government welfare subsidies without intermediaries.
Key Scheme Objectives
- Provide universal access to banking facilities with at least one basic zero-balance bank account for every unbanked adult.
- Equip account holders with a RuPay debit card offering inbuilt ₹2 Lakh accidental insurance protection.
- Provide credit access via an overdraft facility of up to ₹10,000 for emergency household and micro-enterprise needs.
- Serve as the universal Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) gateway for seamless delivery of Central and State subsidies.
Financial Framework
PMJDY Account Architecture, RuPay Insurance & Overdraft Parameters
PMJDY accounts operate as Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts (BSBDA). They require zero minimum balance, earn savings interest, provide a ₹2 Lakh accidental insurance cover via RuPay, and offer an overdraft credit facility of up to ₹10,000.
Account Maintenance Fee
₹0 (Free)
Inbuilt Accident Cover
₹2.00 Lakh
Overdraft Credit Facility
Up to ₹10,000
DBT Processing Fee
₹0 (Free)
How the ₹10,000 Overdraft (OD) Facility Works
1. Overdraft is a short-term credit facility provided by the bank, NOT a free cash grant. 2. Available to one person per household (preferably the female head of the family) aged 18 to 65 years. 3. Requires at least 6 months of satisfactory account operation with regular transactions and Aadhaar seeding. 4. Overdraft up to ₹2,000 is available without stringent conditions. 5. Maximum limit is up to ₹10,000 subject to bank discretion and credit history.
Conditions for Claiming the ₹2 Lakh RuPay Accidental Insurance:
Condition 1: Post-28 August 2018 Card Issuance
RuPay cards issued after 28 August 2018 carry an enhanced accidental insurance cover of ₹2,00,000 (earlier cards carried ₹1,00,000).
Condition 2: Mandatory 90-Day Transaction Activity
The cardholder must have performed at least one successful financial or non-financial customer-induced transaction (ATM, POS, E-COM, MicroATM, Bank Mitra) within 90 days prior to the date of the accident.
Condition 3: Claim Submission Within Permitted Timeline
In the unfortunate event of accidental death or permanent disability, claim documents (FIR, Post-Mortem Report, Death Certificate, active card proof) must be submitted through the bank branch to the insurance partner.
Historical Note on Initial ₹30,000 Life Insurance:
The ₹30,000 life insurance cover was a launch-era promotional benefit applicable strictly to PMJDY accounts opened between 15 August 2014 and 31 January 2015 for primary breadwinners aged 18–59. It is NOT available for accounts opened thereafter. For current life insurance coverage, account holders can enroll in the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) for ₹2 Lakh cover at an annual premium of ₹436.
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Integration
A PMJDY account linked with Aadhaar serves as the primary receiving account for central and state government benefits including PM-KISAN, PAHAL LPG subsidy, MGNREGA wages, NSAP pensions, and West Bengal’s Lakshmir Bhandar, Rupashree, Kanyashree, and Krishak Bandhu.
Eligibility Guidelines
Who is Eligible to Apply?
Review standard qualifying conditions, income limits, and applicable waiver categories. Read our guide on understanding eligibility
Standard Eligibility Requirements
- Any Indian citizen aged 10 years or older who does not already possess a basic bank account
- Valid officially valid document (OVD) for KYC: Aadhaar card, Voter ID, PAN, MGNREGA Job Card, or Driving Licence
- Individuals without formal OVDs can open a "Small Account" with a self-attested photograph and signature/thumb impression
- Overdraft eligibility: Age 18–65 years, one account per household, with 6 months of satisfactory operations
Not Eligible:
- Individuals attempting to open duplicate PMJDY accounts in multiple banks (one basic account per individual permitted).
- Persons disqualified by RBI or banks due to fraudulent activities or blacklisting.
Universal Zero-Balance Banking
Zero Minimum Balance + Free RuPay Card + ₹2 Lakh Insurance
Ministry of Finance, Government of India
No minimum balance penalties ever. Free RuPay debit card with ₹2 Lakh accidental death/disability insurance cover.
Credit & Social Security
Up to ₹10,000 Overdraft Facility + Direct DBT Transfer
Emergency credit facility after 6 months of regular account operation and direct linkage to government welfare subsidies.
Required Documentation
Commonly Required Documents
Exact document requirements can depend on the application type and applicant circumstances. View our common documents checklist
Standard
Aadhaar Card (Preferred Primary KYC)
Proof of identity and address; enables biometric e-KYC and automatic DBT subsidy seeding.
Conditional
Alternative Officially Valid Document (If Aadhaar Not Available)
Voter ID card, PAN card, Passport, Driving Licence, or MGNREGA Job Card issued by State Government.
Standard
Passport Size Photographs
Recent coloured passport photographs for physical account opening forms at branches/CSPs.
Standard
Mobile Number
For SMS transaction alerts, OTP generation, and mobile banking activation.
Guidance: Ensure the applicant’s bank account is active and matches the beneficiary name exactly before institutional submission.
Application Process
How to Apply for Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Step-by-step application and verification procedure based on official guidelines. Read our official portals guide
1
Visit Nearest Bank Branch or Bank Mitra (CSP) Kiosk
Visit any public sector bank, private commercial bank, Regional Rural Bank (RRB), or Customer Service Point (CSP).
2
Obtain & Fill the PMJDY Account Opening Form
Request the standard PMJDY/BSBDA application form available in English, Hindi, and regional languages (Bengali).
3
Submit KYC Documents & Complete Biometric Verification
Provide your Aadhaar card / OVD and complete fingerprint biometric e-KYC authentication with the banking official.
4
Account Generation & Passbook Issuance
The bank opens the zero-balance account and issues an official savings bank passbook with account and IFSC details.
5
Receive & Activate RuPay Debit Card
Receive the free RuPay debit card, set the ATM PIN, and perform at least one transaction to activate ₹2 Lakh accidental insurance.
Payment Method
PMJDY accounts operate with zero minimum balance requirement. Deposits can be made in cash, cheque, or electronic transfer. Welfare subsidies and government benefits are credited directly via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT/NACH/APBS). Withdrawals can be made free of charge via bank branch counters, ATMs using the RuPay card, or micro-ATMs at Bank Mitra (CSP) kiosks.
Formal Scheme Launch Date:LAUNCHED: 28 August 2014
Important to Know
PMJDY is a zero-minimum-balance savings bank account; it does NOT distribute free money.
The ₹2 Lakh RuPay accidental insurance requires at least one card transaction within 90 days prior to the accident.
The initial ₹30,000 life insurance cover was a launch-era benefit (2014–15) and is NOT available for new accounts.
The overdraft facility up to ₹10,000 is a repayable bank loan subject to 6 months of satisfactory account operation.
Aadhaar-seeded PMJDY accounts receive all central and West Bengal state welfare scheme DBT transfers seamlessly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions and answers regarding eligibility, benefits, documents, and application process for Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).
PMJDY is a National Mission for Financial Inclusion launched in 2014 providing universal access to zero-balance savings bank accounts, RuPay debit cards with ₹2 Lakh insurance, and overdraft facilities.
Sources Checked
All factual information on this page has been compiled and verified against official government portals, gazettes, and departmental guidelines.
Last Verified: 2026-08-19T00:00:00Z
Independent Platform Notice:
WBScheme is an independent information platform and is not the Government of India, Government of West Bengal, RBI, or any bank. PMJDY account features, RuPay benefits, insurance coverage, overdraft eligibility, KYC requirements and banking procedures may change through Government/RBI notifications. Always verify the latest information with the official PMJDY portal, RBI or your participating bank.
Social Security & Pensions
