New Delhi, Mar 30 (TNT): The Union government on Monday said that 99.92 per cent of villages in the country have access to banking outlets within a five-kilometre radius.
Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary informed the Lok Sabha that the government aims to ensure availability of banking services through bank branches, business correspondents (BCs) or India Post Payments Bank outlets within five kilometres of all inhabited villages.
He said the availability of banking outlets is being monitored through the GIS-based Jan Dhan Darshak (JDD) App.
As per data uploaded by banks on the platform, 99.92 per cent of villages across the country and 100 per cent villages in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli are covered within the prescribed distance as of March 6, 2026.
The Minister said key challenges in expanding banking infrastructure include lack of connectivity, inadequate infrastructure and non-availability of suitable premises.
He added that expansion of banking outlets in uncovered areas is a continuous process overseen by State Level Bankers’ Committees and Union Territory Level Bankers’ Committees in coordination with state governments and stakeholders.
Banks take decisions on opening new outlets based on RBI guidelines, business plans and commercial viability, he said.
TNT KS
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