Financial Inclusion and Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana: An Empirical Study Conducted in the villages of Mulshi Taluka in Pune District.

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of financial Inclusion schemes is to allow the poorer sections to avail themselves various financial products and services through bank account. This study is an attempt to examine the knowledge level of Jan DhanYojana schemes and usage / adoption of scheme benefits by the Farmers of Mulshi Taluka of Pune District. Methods/Statistical Analysis: This paper carries forward the data and information collected through structured interview schedule and discussions. The general information of banking habits, awareness level and using the benefits of Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) Scheme, etc were analyzed especially the first phase of PMJDY implementation. Purposive cum referral sampling method was carried out in the villages of Marunji, Hinjiwadi, and Punawale villages. Sample size consisted of 62 farmers. The data analysis was prepared using descriptive statistics and Chi-Square Test. Findings: There is no major impact of the Jan Dhan Yojana schemes especially of first phase implementation on farmers. Majority of them are not aware of the benefits derived from the financial inclusion mission. Most of the people are having partial information about the scheme, which is about the insurance schemes and nothing more. The result to verify the guesses shows clearly that there is no significant difference between the demographics such as gender, age, education, maritial status and monthly income of farmers and knowledge of Jan Dhan Yojana Scheme benefits. It is also viewed majority of them have opened Jan Dhan Yojana accounts in banks because it can be opened with zero balance. There is lack of financial literacy in rural areas. The findings corroborates with rest of the available studies. Creating consciousness to use the financial products and services through awareness campaign among the rural people as well as training to business correspondents is considered necessary for the success of Jan Dhan Yojana. Improvements: Further this paper could be enhanced by broadly discussing the other facets of financial Inclusion mission in the selected villages as well as for other talukas of the district.