JAN DHAN YOJANA AND ITS ROLE IN DEVELOPING A GREEN ECONOMY: AN INTEGRATED APPROACH

The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014, is India's flagship financial inclusion programme, with over 52.88 crore accounts opened as of April 2025. Beyond its economic objectives, PMJDY has emerging potential as a driver of environmental sustainability. This paper explores the integrated role of PMJDY in advancing a green economy in India. It highlights how access to formal banking and micro-credit under PMJDY has supported green livelihoods, such as organic farming, eco-friendly entrepreneurship, and decentralized renewable energy adoption. Case studies illustrate the scheme’s impact on women-led self-help groups, climate resilience during disasters, and environmentally responsible financial practices. Despite these gains, challenges persist due to underutilization of credit, weak policy convergence, and limited financial literacy on green issues. The paper concludes with policy recommendations including the creation of green credit lines, targeted incentives, and institutional coordination to strengthen the alignment between financial inclusion and sustainable development. PMJDY, when strategically linked to environmental goals, can become a transformative platform for inclusive and ecologically sound growth in India.