The Jan Suraksha schemes, launched on 9th May 2015 by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, celebrated their 10th anniversary in 2025. These schemes—Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)—provide affordable insurance and pension benefits to India’s underserved and vulnerable populations. This is a vital current affairs topic for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, and Banking.
Vision of Financial Security
Securing the Unsecured
Union Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman emphasized the vision of “Securing the Unsecured”. She highlighted that the Jan Suraksha schemes aim to offer financial protection against life’s uncertainties, fostering long-term financial resilience for millions of Indians.
Enrolment Achievements
Massive Reach
As of April 2025, the schemes have achieved significant enrolment:
- PMJJBY: Over 23.6 crore enrolments.
- PMSBY: Over 51 crore enrolments.
- APY: Over 7.6 crore enrolments.
These numbers reflect the schemes’ widespread acceptance and impact.
Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)
Life Insurance for All
PMJJBY offers life insurance for death due to any reason at a low premium of Rs.436/year (less than Rs.2/day). It is a one-year renewable cover for individuals aged 18-50 years. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Bank/Post office account holders with auto-debit consent.
- Benefits: Rs.2 lakh payout on death.
- Achievements: Over 23.63 crore enrolments and Rs.18,398 crore paid for 9.19 lakh claims as of April 2025.
The scheme has 10.66 crore female enrolments and 7.08 crore PMJDY account holders.
Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)
Accidental Death and Disability Cover
PMSBY provides accidental death and disability cover for individuals aged 18-70 years at a premium of Rs.20/year (less than Rs.2/month). Key features include:
- Eligibility: Bank/Post office account holders with auto-debit.
- Benefits: Rs.2 lakh for death or total disability, Rs.1 lakh for partial disability.
- Achievements: Over 51.06 crore enrolments and Rs.3,121 crore paid for 1.57 lakh claims.
It has 23.87 crore female enrolments and 17.12 crore PMJDY account holders.
Atal Pension Yojana (APY)
Pension for the Unorganised Sector
APY ensures a guaranteed pension for individuals aged 18-40 years, especially in the unorganised sector. Administered by PFRDA, it offers pensions from Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000 after age 60. Key features include:
- Eligibility: Non-taxpaying bank account holders.
- Benefits: Pension to the subscriber, then spouse, with the corpus returned to the nominee.
- Achievements: Over 7.66 crore enrolments, with 47% female subscribers.
Digital Transformation
Simplified Access
The Jan Suraksha Portal enables online enrolment and claims processing, making the schemes accessible without visiting banks or post offices. Digitalisation ensures faster claim settlements, providing timely support to families.
Ministerial Praise
Recognizing Stakeholders
Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman praised the efforts of banks, insurance companies, and field staff for the schemes’ success. Union Minister of State Shri Pankaj Chaudhary noted that these schemes provide financial security to the poor and disadvantaged, aligning with the vision of citizen welfare.
Relevance for Competitive Exams
Study Resource for Aspirants
The 10th anniversary of the Jan Suraksha schemes is a crucial current affairs topic for competitive exams. Topics like social security, financial inclusion, and government schemes are frequently tested in exams like IAS, IBPS, and RRB. Stay updated with GKboard.in for concise, exam-focused current affairs content.