No second account needed to get Jan Dhan benefits: Government

People desirous of availing benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) need not open another bank account in case they already hold one, the government Monday said .

"The existing account holders can submit an application to the concerned branch to enable them to get a RuPay Debit Card in order to avail of the benefits of insurance under PMJDY," the finance ministry said in a statement here.

"Micro credit limit of Rs.5,000 can also be extended in existing bank accounts on application depending on the satisfactory conduct of the account," it added.

Saying that insurance benefits are available through the RuPay Card, the ministry reported that there had been complaints from some places about the availability of the account opening forms due to the huge rush and "certain people taking advantage of such situation."

Earlier in the month, the ministry had first reported on the problem. Informing that many existing account holders have opened a new account to avail of incentives announced under the scheme, the ministry said: "Publicity is being given that the benefits announced under PMJDY can be extended to the existing account holders in their previous accounts as well and new account need not be opened for this."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the pan-India financial inclusion scheme called "Jan Dhan Yojana" here on Aug 28 under which bank accounts and RuPay debit cards with an insurance cover of Rs.100,000 are being provided to millions who have been without access to formal banking facilities.

As on date, 4.18 crore accounts have been opened under PMJDY, the statement said.