Post-demonetisation: 23% Jan Dhan Accounts still without balance

The Union Government on 12 December 2016 announced that around 23 percent of Jan Dhan Accounts are without balance even after demonetization.
●    This development is a worrying factor for the policy makers because it can be considered as an indication of low-income capacity and purchasing power among the lower strata of the society.
●    These are zero-balance accounts specifically meant for bringing below poverty line population under the ambit of financial inclusion.
●    They are opened as part of the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana which was launched on 28 August 2014 by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
●    The Jan Dhan Accounts provide a variety of financial services including insurance, debit card and credit facilities to the account holders.
●    Within five months of its launch, the around 11.5 crore accounts were opened under the scheme covering 99.74% of targeted household. 
●    Since its inception, around 25 crore Jan Dhan accounts were opened across the country till 7 December 2016. And, a total of Rs 74609 crore was deposited in these accounts so far.