PMJDY Sets Guinness Record, Modi says will Enhance India's Progress

New Delhi, Jan 20 (IANS) The opening of 1.8 crore accounts under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) in a week has been recognised by the Guinness World Records, following which Prime Minister Narendra Modi Tuesday said success of the scheme will set the stage for a major transformation and will enhance India's progress.

A record 11.5 crore bank accounts have been opened under the PMJDY.

Modi, who posted a series of tweets on the scheme, said its "unprecedented success" was "overwhelming".

"This is a matter of pride for the entire nation."

"The success of PMJDY sets the stage for a major transformation for the people & will enhance India's progress."

Modi said his government had embarked on PMJDY with an aim to integrate the poor with India's financial system.

"The comprehensive extent of its coverage is gladdening!"

"I congratulate all the state governments, banks & the finance ministry for the great success of the Jan dhan yojana," he posted.

Finance Minister Arun Jaitley earlier said a record 11.5 crore bank accounts have been opened under the PMJDY.

"The Guinness World Records has recognised the achievements made under the PMJDY and has given a certificate stating that the most bank accounts opened in one week as part of the Financial Inclusion Campaign is 18,096,130 and was achieved by the department of financial services, government of India from Aug 23-Aug 29, 2014," Jaitley said.

Till Jan 17, 11.5 crore bank accounts have been opened as against the target of 7.5 crore by Jan 26, 2015.

"Exclusion of a large number of people from any access to financial services inhibits the growth of the country," he said.