Over 400 million poor now have access to banks due to Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: Finance ministry

Divakar Vijayasarathy, founder and managing partner at consulting firm DVS Advisors LLP, said by opening nearly 17 crore bank accounts in the very first year under PMJDY, the government had demonstrated its resolve, but it has to be taken forward. “However, the job is only half done… Other schemes such as Bharatnet [rural broadband network] have to be parallely and vigorously implemented to achieve the optimum benefit. Increasing digital literacy, rural banking facilities and internet connectivity would be crucial in this regard,” he said.