Mangalore : Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)’Jan-Dhan’ scheme inaugurated at Town Hall in the coastal city on Thursday August 28.

Thawar Chand Gehlot, Union minister of social justice and empowerment, who launched the scheme  and said that it was aimed at removing ‘financial untouchability’ in the nation.

“It is a fact that our nation is developing, but development can be expedited if all Indians are empowered economically. The Constitution of India ensures social, economic and educational equality. Every citizen should be given the opportunity to empower themselves and it is possible through Jan-Dhan Yojna,” Gehlot said.

Nearly 40% of the families in the country are not covered under the banking facilities. This prevents the poor from availing schemes of the government. Participation of every citizen through productivity will pave the way for development, Gehlot said.

“The role of banks in Dakshina Kannada in the process of nation’s economic development is significant. Banking sector in the region is very strong and banks originated here have been playing vital role in the nation’s progress. There is a need for more emphasis for nation’s economic development on part of the banks. I request the government of Karnataka and people’s representative here to extend their cooperation to make the scheme successful,” the minister added. MP Nalin Kumar Kateel said that banks in the district should strive to achieve target under the scheme. Minister for sports and youth empowerment K Abhaychandra Jain said the policy of nationalization of banks has led to a banking revolution in the nation.

B Ramanath Rai, minister for forest, environment and ecology, in his presidential address said that the state government will extend its support for the success of the scheme.

In Udupi, Savitha Shivanand Kotian, president of Udupi zilla panchayat inaugurated the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana at Syndicate Bank Golden Jubilee Hall, Manipal.

She said poor can open bank accounts which will come with the facility of a debit card and an insurance cover of Rs 1 lakh has a great vision to include poor people in the banking to make them save their money.

This should be successfully implemented in the district through the help of banks, she said.

MLC Kota Srinivas Poojari, CMC president P Yuvaraj and Regional Manager, Syndicate Bank, Udupi, H V Bharamagowder, ZP CEO M Kanagavalli and others were present.