A Critical Assessment of Awareness and Utilization of PMJDY Benefits in Vaishali's Low-Income Households

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, stands as India’s most ambitious financial inclusion initiative. This study critically examines the awareness and utilization of PMJDY benefits among low-income households in Vaishali district, Bihar. Using a structured questionnaire and primary field data, it evaluates how effectively the scheme has integrated marginalized populations into the formal financial system. The research reveals a mixed outcome—while basic awareness of PMJDY exists widely, the utilization of its core benefits, such as overdraft, insurance, and pension, remains suboptimal due to low financial literacy and systemic gaps.