The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), the world’s largest financial inclusion programme, has completed 11 years, with more than 56 crore bank accounts opened under the scheme and deposits crossing ₹2.68 lakh crore, the finance ministry said on Thursday. Launched on August 28, 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the scheme has transformed access to formal banking for millions of underprivileged citizens. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said universal access to bank accounts enables the poor and marginalised to participate in the formal economy and benefit from opportunities. She noted that 67 per cent of accounts have been opened in rural and semi-urban areas, while women own 56 per cent of them.“PMJDY has been a key channel for delivering benefits under Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), providing credit facilities, social security and enhancing savings and investments,” Sitharaman said. She added that over 38 crore RuPay debit cards have been issued to account holders, boosting digital transactions. Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary described PMJDY as one of the most successful financial inclusion initiatives globally, saying it was about “dignity, empowerment and opportunity.” He said the ongoing saturation campaign, under which camps are being held in 2.7 lakh gram panchayats till September 30, aims to ensure every eligible person has a Jan Dhan account and access to insurance and pension schemes.