Key Points

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed expanding financial inclusion initiatives in a high-level review meeting. PMJJBY has seen a 699% enrolment jump since 2016, covering 23.36 crore Indians. The Rs 20/year PMSBY scheme provides accident insurance to millions. These schemes reflect India's push for accessible financial security under Modi's leadership.

Key Points: FM Sitharaman Calls for Stronger Financial Inclusion Push

  • FM reviews progress of PMJDY, PMSBY, and PMJJBY schemes
  • PMJJBY enrolments surge 699% since 2016
  • PMSBY offers accident cover at Rs 20/year
  • Govt aims to enhance banking customer experience
2 min read

Need to further strengthen financial inclusion initiatives: FM Sitharaman

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman reviews key schemes like PMJJBY and PMSBY, highlighting 699% growth in insurance coverage since 2016.

"Need to further strengthen financial inclusion initiatives by bringing the masses within their ambit - FM Nirmala Sitharaman"

New Delhi, May 13

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday emphasised the need to further strengthen financial inclusion initiatives by bringing the masses within their ambit.

Chairing a meeting to review the progress of government’s financial inclusion schemes namely PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY, PMMYY, SUPI, PMSVANidhi, PM Vishwakarma, PM Surya Ghar Yojana, KCC, PM Vidyalaxmi and CGTSME, she stressed the importance of enhancing customer experience across banking services.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Department of Financial Services, and the senior officers of DFS. The mandate of the Department of Financial Services covers the functioning of banks, financial institutions, insurance companies and the National Pension System (NPS).

Meanwhile, the cumulative enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) -- a life insurance initiative -- has surged by a whopping 699 per cent since 2016. Launched on May 9, 2015, PMJJBY addressed the dark reality that only about 20 per cent of India’s population had any form of insurance coverage.

PMJJBY offers a Rs 2 lakh life insurance cover in case of the subscriber’s death from any cause -- natural or accidental -- for an annual premium of just Rs 436.

As of March 19, PMJJBY has enrolled 23.36 crore individuals. During the decade, the scheme processed 9,37,524 claims, of which 9,05,139 claims were successfully disbursed, releasing a total sum of Rs 18,102.78 crore.

On the other hand, the cumulative enrolments under the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMBSY), -- an accident insurance scheme -- has surged by 443 per cent, since 2016. The scheme provides financial stability and affordable security in case of accidents and loss of lives at just Rs 20 per year.

Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana has become a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to provide financial safety to the public.

With reforms in infrastructure, innovation, and financial inclusion, India continues to enhance its role as a key driver of global economic activity.

—IANS

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
These schemes are game-changers for rural India! My farmer uncle in Bihar finally got insurance coverage after 50 years. But banks need better staff training - last month it took him 3 visits to get his PMJJBY claim processed. Govt should focus on implementation now.
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Priya M.
As a small business owner, PM SVANidhi helped me restart my street food stall after COVID. ₹10,000 may seem small but it was life-saving! 🙏 More awareness campaigns needed though - many vendors in my area still don't know about these schemes.
A
Amit S.
The numbers look impressive but what about urban poor? In Mumbai slums, many don't have documents to enroll. Government should simplify KYC requirements and make Aadhaar enough for all schemes. Financial inclusion must mean inclusion for all.
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Sunita R.
PMJJBY is excellent value for money! ₹436/year for ₹2 lakh cover is revolutionary. I've made sure all my domestic workers are enrolled - we did group registration at our housing society. More middle-class Indians should help spread awareness.
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Vikram J.
While schemes are good, we need better financial literacy. Many beneficiaries withdraw pension money (APY) prematurely for weddings/festivals. Should make financial education compulsory in schools and add money management modules to all these schemes.
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Neha T.
Digital divide is still a challenge. My grandmother in village can't use UPI apps despite PMJDY account. Banks should have simple IVR systems in regional languages for elderly to check balances/claims. Inclusion must be tech-friendly for all ages! 👍

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