India Achieves Near-Universal Banking Coverage
Why in News
The Government announced that 99.92% of inhabited villages in India now have access to a banking outlet within a 5-km radius through bank branches, Business Correspondents and India Post Payments Bank, marking a major milestone in financial inclusion.
Highlights
- 99.92% of inhabited villages now have banking access.
- Coverage achieved within a 5-km radius.
- Bank branches, Business Correspondents and India Post Payments Bank contributed to the milestone.
Important Facts
- The initiative strengthens financial inclusion across rural India.
- Expanded banking access supports Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and digital payments.
- The achievement aligns with Jan Dhan Yojana and Digital India initiatives.
Static GK
- Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched on 28 August 2014 to provide universal banking access.
- India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) provides banking services through India's postal network.
Exam Importance
Financial inclusion, banking reforms and government schemes are important topics for UPSC, Banking, RBI, SSC and State PSC examinations.
Memory Trick
Financial Inclusion = Jan Dhan + IPPB + Digital India.