Question : Minimum Balance Charges

(a) whether the Government is aware that almost all the banks are imposing minimum balance charges in the bank customers having zero balance in Jan Dhan Accounts, if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor;

(b) whether the imposition of such charges will push the people away from the banking services and lower the rate of investment in saving accounts and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government proposes to withdraw the charges imposed by the banks, if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(d) the other remedial steps taken by the Government in this regard along with the refund of minimum balance charges levied so far?

Answer given by the minister

The Minister of State in the Ministry of Finance


(a) Jan Dhan Accounts opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) are classified as Basic Savings Bank Deposit (BSBD) accounts. As per Reserve Bank of India guidelines issued in August 2012, BSBD accounts do not have requirement of any minimum balance.


(b) to (d) Does not arise.
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