21 December 2024 : PIB Summary For UPSC

1. JAM(Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile)TRINITY and digital revolution: A Decade of Financial Inclusion, Transparency and Corruption Free India

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2086611&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhar, and Mobile) has transformed financial inclusion and transparency in India by providing direct benefits to citizens and promoting digital transactions. It has empowered marginalized groups while reducing corruption.

JAM Trinity:

• The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhar, and Mobile) is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and empowering citizens across India.
• This triad of schemes has revolutionized the country’s banking and welfare ecosystem, ensuring direct benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.

Key Components of the JAM Trinity

Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): 54 crore accounts opened, with ₹2.39 lakh crore in deposits. 66% of accounts in rural, semi-urban areas, and 39% by women. 37.02 crore RuPay cards issued to PMJDY account holders. World Bank: India reached financial inclusion goals in 6 years (vs. 47 years without digital infrastructure). Aadhar: Provides unique identification to citizens, ensuring targeted delivery of welfare benefits. Aadhar linkage facilitates Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to bank accounts. Mobile: Facilitates access to banking services through mobile phones, ensuring seamless digital transactions and financial inclusion.

Importance and Impact

• Financial Inclusion:
  • India’s largest financial inclusion program, covering over 54 crore citizens.
  • Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) eliminate intermediaries, ensuring welfare schemes reach beneficiaries faster and more accurately.
• Increased Transparency and Curbing Corruption:
  • 10 crore fake beneficiaries removed, preventing ₹2.75 lakh crore from being misappropriated.
  • Digital payments via UPI reached ₹200 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, positioning India as a global leader in digital financial inclusion.

Challenges and Bottlenecks

• Technological Barriers:
  • Despite significant progress, some rural areas still face challenges in accessing mobile and internet infrastructure.
• Digital Literacy:
  • Low digital literacy in certain regions limits full participation in the JAM Trinity ecosystem.
• Data Privacy Concerns:
  • With widespread data collection through Aadhar and mobile, concerns regarding data security and privacy persist.

Way Forward

• Expand Digital Infrastructure:
  • Further investment in internet and mobile network infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is essential to bridge the digital divide.
• Enhance Digital Literacy:
  • Government initiatives to promote digital literacy among marginalized populations can ensure wider participation in financial inclusion programs.
• Strengthen Data Protection Laws:
  • Strengthening regulations around data privacy and security to maintain public trust in the system.

Conclusion

• The JAM Trinity has been instrumental in revolutionizing India’s financial and welfare systems, ensuring that benefits reach the most vulnerable.
• Continued efforts to address technological gaps and promote digital literacy will further strengthen the system’s effectiveness.

PYQ: How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020)

Practice Question:  Discuss the role of the JAM Trinity in enhancing financial inclusion and transparency in India. What are the challenges it faces, and how can these be addressed to further empower marginalized populations? (250 Words /15 marks)