By DIKSHA BENIPURI | Kashmir Ahead
Kashmir , October 26,2026- Jammu and Kashmir is bringing several government welfare schemes to expand access to banking, provide affordable insurance and strengthen the financials for pregnant women and mothers. The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) address different aspects of financial security and social welfare.
The reported progress figures highlight enrolments, financial assistance, insurance coverage and the implementation priorities of these schemes across the Union Territory.
PMJDY Expands Access to Banking Services
Launched nationally on August 28, 2014, the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana aims to bring people into the formal banking system by providing access to basic banking services. The scheme also facilitates the transfer of government benefits and subsidies through bank accounts and connects eligible beneficiaries with insurance, pension and credit facilities.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the reported number of PMJDY accounts reached 25.49 lakh by August 31, 2026. Deposits held in these accounts stood at Rs 1,843.84 crore, while 16.68 lakh RuPay cards had been issued.
The scheme also provides an overdraft facility of up to Rs 10,000 to eligible account holders, subject to applicable conditions. RuPay card issuance and Aadhaar seeding are encouraged to improve access to banking and government benefit transfers.
Individual-Level Financial Inclusion Remains a Priority
The supplied data records 25.70 lakh PMJDY accounts in 2020–21, increasing to 27.27 lakh in 2022–23 before reaching 25.49 lakh in 2026–27. Deposits and RuPay card issuance have also varied over the reporting period.
During 2025–26, 1,57,323 new accounts were opened, while more than 18,000 fresh enrolments were reported during 2026–27 up to the stated reporting period.
Although most families are reported to have at least one savings account, the next phase of financial inclusion is expected to focus on individuals who remain outside the formal banking system. The supplied estimates suggest that around five lakh additional accounts may be needed to achieve individual-level saturation.
PMJJBY Provides Affordable Life Insurance
The Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, launched in May 2015, offers affordable life insurance through participating banks and post offices. It is intended to provide financial assistance to a beneficiary’s family in the event of the insured person’s death.
Eligible Indian citizens aged 18 to 50 years can enrol through a qualifying savings or Jan Dhan account. The annual premium is Rs 436, with renewal premiums generally collected through automatic debit with the account holder’s consent. The scheme provides life cover of Rs 2 lakh, subject to its terms and conditions.
The supplied figures record approximately 13.07 lakh enrolments in Jammu and Kashmir by August 2026. Premium collections and claim payments have increased over successive reporting years, reflecting the expansion of the scheme and its financial activity.
Insurance Enrolment and Claims Progress
PMJJBY enrolment increased from 3.91 lakh in 2020–21 to 12.44 lakh in 2025–26, according to the annual series provided. The 2026–27 figures record approximately 13.01 lakh enrolments up to August 31, 2026, although another summary figure cites 13.07 lakh.
Premium collections reached Rs 53.04 crore in 2025–26, while claims disbursed during that year were reported at Rs 25.22 crore. For 2026–27, the supplied data records Rs 3.01 crore in premiums and Rs 4.98 crore in claims up to the stated reporting date.
The scheme’s estimated eligible population in Jammu and Kashmir is 70.74 lakh. The supplied assessment identifies a substantial gap between the eligible population and existing enrolments, making awareness campaigns, wider registration and timely policy renewals important priorities.
PMMVY Supports Pregnant Women and Mothers
The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana provides financial assistance to eligible pregnant and lactating women, with the objective of supporting maternal health, improving nutrition and partially compensating for wage loss.
Introduced on January 1, 2017, the scheme was expanded under PMMVY 2.0 in 2022. Eligible beneficiaries can receive Rs 5,000 for their first living child, while assistance of Rs 6,000 is available for the second child if the child is a girl, subject to applicable eligibility requirements.
Benefits are linked to prescribed conditions, including pregnancy registration, antenatal care, childbirth registration and the first cycle of childhood immunisation. The programme focuses on women from eligible socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
More Than 2.5 Lakh PMMVY Beneficiaries Paid
The supplied management information system figures record cumulative enrolment of 2,74,216 beneficiaries, of whom 2,51,964 had received payments. Total disbursement between 2023–24 and 2026–27 was reported at Rs 104.22 crore.
For 2026–27, the target up to September 30 was 45,000 beneficiaries, against which 42,418 had reportedly been achieved, representing 94.26 per cent of the target.
Financial utilisation also remained high during 2025–26. Expenditure of Rs 50.52 crore was reported against an available amount of approximately Rs 50.80 crore, translating to utilisation of around 99.4 per cent.
Focus on Coverage and Timely Delivery
The three schemes serve complementary purposes: PMJDY facilitates banking access, PMJJBY offers life insurance and PMMVY provides maternity-related financial assistance.
Going forward, priorities include reaching individuals without bank accounts, increasing insurance enrolment, maintaining policy renewals and ensuring eligible mothers receive their benefits on time. Accurate beneficiary records and improved public awareness will remain important for expanding coverage.
Together, these initiatives aim to improve financial access and provide additional social protection to eligible households across Jammu and Kashmir.
