India’s central government flagship welfare schemes like PMJDY, Ayushman Bharat, and PMAY continue to drive financial, health, and housing access for millions. Recent 2026 updates emphasize expanded coverage amid economic recovery efforts.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Launched in 2014, PMJDY promotes universal banking access with over 56 crore accounts and ₹2.44 lakh crore in deposits as of late 2025. It marked its 11th year with milestones in financial literacy and digital payments.
Eligibility: Open to all Indian residents aged 10+ without a bank account; minors (10-18) need a guardian. No minimum balance required; NRIs ineligible. One account per household preferred, ideally for women.
How to Apply:
- Download the form from pmjdy.gov.in (English/Hindi).
- Fill details like Aadhaar, income, branch; attach ID/address proof (Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN, ration/utility bill).
- Submit at any bank branch or Business Correspondent (Bank Mitra).
- Get RuPay debit card post-verification; overdraft up to ₹10,000 after 6 months activity.
Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY)
This 2018 scheme offers ₹5 lakh/family/year for hospitalization, covering 55 crore beneficiaries and 2,500+ procedures. Recent expansions include more hospitals and mental health add-ons.
Eligibility: Families in bottom 40-50% by SECC 2011 database or auto-inclusion via deprivation criteria; covers pre-existing conditions. Check via helpline 14555 or pmjay.gov.in.
How to Apply:
- Verify eligibility at empanelled hospitals or pmjay.gov.in with Aadhaar/ration card.
- Get e-card instantly; no documents needed at empanelment.
- Avail cashless treatment; portable across India.
Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)
Ongoing since 2015, PMAY targets 4+ crore houses with 2026 lists releasing subsidies for remaining urban/rural units. New phase eyes 3 crore more homes.
Eligibility (Urban): EWS/LIG/MIG families without pucca house; income <₹18 lakh/year. (Rural): SECC-deprived households. Exclude income tax payers, govt employees.
How to Apply:
- Visit pmay-urban.gov.in or pmayg.nic.in; register with Aadhaar/mobile.
- Fill Aadhaar-based form; geo-tag house location via app.
- Approval via local body; subsidies direct to bank via DBT (₹1.2-2.5 lakh).
For Kerala-specific lists, check myscheme.gov.in or district portals.
