13 lakh 85 thousand bank accounts opened in state so far

Bhopal: As many as 13 lakh 85 thousand 230 bank accounts have been opened in Madhya Pradesh so far under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana. Of these, 9 lakh 93 thousand bank accounts have been opened in rural areas and 3 lakh 91 thousand 381 in urban areas. Maximum 11 lakh 59 thousand 36 accounts have been opened by public sector banks. Besides, HDFC, ICICI, Axis and IndusInd private banks have also opened 13 thousand 435 accounts. As many as 49 thousand 744 accounts have been opened in Madhyanchal Gramin Bank Sagar, 72 thousand 688 in Central Madhya Pradesh Bank, Chhindwara and one lakh 312 accounts have been opened by Narmada-Jhabua Rural Bank.

Madhya Pradesh will become pioneer in the country in achieving the target of opening bank accounts of all families. In the state, financial inclusion model (Samriddhi) is already being implemented since year 2011, which will help in achieving this target. Under Samriddhi model over 2400 ultra small banks have been opened in the state so far having over 76 lakh 50 thousand bank accounts. These banks have transacted business of Rs. 1800 crore so far.

At present, banks and local administration are undertaking a joint survey for Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana. Bank accounts of about 40 lakh families are estimated to be opened in the state. Under the scheme, all bank accounts will be opened by January 26, 2015. It is expected that target of opening 40 lakh accounts will be achieved before that date going by the way bank accounts have been opened till date.

It is noteworthy that every family will be given the benefit banking facility under of Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana launched on August 28 last. On opening a bank account under the scheme, the account holder will be given RuPay debit card and Rs. one lakh accident insurance cover. After 6 months’ satisfactory operation of the account, the account holder will get Rs. 5000 overdraft facility.

In future, micro financing facilities as well as benefits of pension schemes like Swalamban through the scheme will be provided to people of unorganised sector. There is a provision of depositing amounts of government schemes directly in bank accounts of beneficiaries.