Initiatives undertaken over the past 12 years by the central government, led by PM Narendra Modi, have significantly expanded public access to amenities such as financial inclusion, healthcare, housing, tap water, clean fuel, and social security. This information was provided in a fact sheet released by the office of Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Jan Dhan Bank Accounts
According to the fact sheet, the number of ‘Jan Dhan’ bank accounts opened for the poor across the country has risen to 58.15 crore. The total deposits in these accounts have also reached 3 lakh crore, reflecting the scheme’s success.
Opened primarily in rural areas, these accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana are recognized as the world’s largest financial inclusion drive. Data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) indicates that 56 percent of Jan Dhan accounts are held by women.
Ayushman Bharat Cards
The fact sheet states that the “JAM Trinity”—comprising Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhaar, and mobile connectivity—has imparted fresh momentum to financial inclusion in the country. This system ensures that benefits from government welfare schemes reach eligible beneficiaries directly, without any leakage.
The statement noted that the number of Ayushman Bharat cards issued under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) has reached 44 crore.
Health Insurance Coverage
This scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year to 12 crore families, covering approximately 40 percent of the country’s population. Additionally, in March 2024, the families of nearly 37 lakh ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, and helpers were brought under the scheme’s ambit.
Subsequently, the scheme was expanded to include 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 years and above. These beneficiaries belong to approximately 4.5 crore families and have been granted coverage regardless of their socio-economic status.
Safe Drinking Water
According to the fact sheet, 15.7 crore tap water connections have been provided to ensure access to safe drinking water for poor families. Additionally, over 12 crore toilets have been constructed to improve living standards, while electricity connections have been provided to 2.9 crore households under the Saubhagya Yojana.
Recently, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal to shift the implementation of the Jal Jeevan Mission from mere infrastructure creation to a service-delivery-based model.
Jal Jeevan Mission
This initiative will also strengthen institutional frameworks for drinking water management, good governance, and sustainable, pipeline-based drinking water supply in rural areas.
To focus on structural reforms within the Jal Jeevan Mission, the government has increased its total outlay to ₹8.69 lakh crore. The Central Government’s total assistance will amount to ₹3.59 lakh crore—significantly higher than the ₹2.08 lakh crore approved in 2019-20—representing an additional central contribution of ₹1.51 lakh crore.
The factsheet also highlights that 10 crore LPG connections have been issued to provide cooking gas to poor families. Furthermore, 4 crore permanent houses have been constructed for low-income families under the Modi government’s housing scheme, thereby improving the living standards of lakhs of families.
