10 Years of the 3 Social Security (Jan Suraksha) Schemes

Table of Contents

Jan Suraksha Schemes: A Decade of Social Security in India

Introduction

On May 9, 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched three transformative social security schemes—Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY)—collectively known as the Jan Suraksha schemes.

These initiatives were designed to provide affordable life insurance, accident insurance, and pension coverage to India’s unorganized and economically weaker sections, aligning with the government’s vision of financial inclusion and social security.

Background and Launch

The Jan Suraksha schemes were introduced as a follow-up to the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), launched in 2014 to ensure universal access to banking services. The success of PMJDY, which opened millions of bank accounts for the unbanked, provided a platform to deliver social security benefits.

The schemes were launched simultaneously in 160 cities and towns across India, reflecting the government’s commitment to creating a universal social security system, particularly for the poor, underprivileged, and workers in the unorganized sector.

The vision behind these schemes was articulated as part of the National Mission for Financial Inclusion, announced by Prime Minister Modi on August 15, 2014. The objective was to expand insurance and pension coverage to provide financial security through affordable products, thereby reducing the vulnerability of low-income households to unexpected events like death, disability, or old age.

Scheme-wise Breakdown

The Jan Suraksha schemes cater to different aspects of social security, each with distinct features and eligibility criteria. Below is a detailed breakdown:

Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY)

Objective: To provide life insurance coverage for death due to any reason.
Coverage: ₹2 lakh payable on the death of the insured.
Premium: ₹330 per annum, auto-debited from the subscriber’s bank account.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-50 years with a savings bank or post office account. Those joining before age 50 can continue coverage up to age 55 with regular premium payments.
Duration: One-year renewable coverage from June 1 to May 31.
Implementing Agencies: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and other approved life insurers, in collaboration with banks and post offices.
Requirements: Aadhaar, KYC documents, and consent for auto-debit.

Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY)

Objective: To offer affordable accident insurance for death or disability due to accidents.
Coverage: ₹2 lakh for accidental death or permanent total disability; ₹1 lakh for permanent partial disability.
Premium: ₹12 per annum, auto-debited from the subscriber’s bank account.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-70 years with a savings bank or post office account.
Duration: One-year renewable coverage from June 1 to May 31.
Implementing Agencies: Public Sector General Insurance Companies (PSGICs) and other approved general insurers, in collaboration with banks and post offices.
Requirements: Aadhaar, KYC documents, and consent for auto-debit.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

Objective: To provide a guaranteed pension to workers in the unorganized sector to address old-age financial needs.
Pension Amount: Guaranteed monthly pension of ₹1,000, ₹2,000, ₹3,000, ₹4,000, or ₹5,000 after age 60, based on contributions.
Contribution: Varies depending on the chosen pension amount and age at entry. Contributions can be made monthly, quarterly, or yearly via auto-debit.
Eligibility: Individuals aged 18-40 years with a savings bank or post office account.
Implementing Agency: Administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) under the National Pension System (NPS) framework.
Requirements: KYC documents and a mobile number registered with the bank for auto-debit.
Additional Features: In case of the subscriber’s death, the pension continues to the spouse. Upon the death of both, the accumulated corpus is returned to the nominee. The government guarantees the minimum pension, funding any shortfall.

Scheme	Coverage	Premium/Contribution	Eligibility Age	Implementing Agency
PMJJBY	₹2 lakh (life insurance)	₹330/year	18-50 years	LIC and other insurers
PMSBY	₹2 lakh (accidental death/total disability), ₹1 lakh (partial disability)	₹12/year	18-70 years	PSGICs and other insurers
APY	₹1,000-₹5,000/month pension	Varies by age and pension	18-40 years	PFRDA

Impact Over the Decade

As of May 9, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the Jan Suraksha schemes, their impact has been substantial:

PMJJBY:
- Cumulative Enrollments: 23.63 crore.
- Claims Settled: ₹18,397.92 crore for 9,19,896 claims.
- The scheme has been particularly impactful during crises, with nearly 50% of claims in FY21 attributed to COVID-19 deaths, providing critical support to low-income families.
PMSBY:
- Cumulative Enrollments: 51.06 crore.
- Claims Settled: ₹3,121.02 crore for 1,57,155 claims.
- The low premium has made accident insurance accessible to a vast population.
APY:
- Cumulative Enrollments: 7.66 crore.
- The scheme has encouraged long-term savings among unorganized sector workers, ensuring financial security in old age.

Scheme	Cumulative Enrollments (Crore)	Claims Settled (₹ Crore)	Number of Claims
PMJJBY	23.63	18,397.92	9,19,896
PMSBY	51.06	3,121.02	1,57,155
APY	7.66	N/A	N/A

The schemes have collectively enrolled over 82 crore individuals, demonstrating their widespread acceptance. The simplification of the claims process has resulted in faster settlements, enhancing trust in the system. Positive testimonials, such as families receiving timely insurance payouts during the pandemic, underscore the schemes’ real-world impact, though specific case studies are not widely documented in public sources.

Government and Public Response

The government has consistently championed the Jan Suraksha schemes as a cornerstone of its financial inclusion agenda. On the 10th anniversary, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman stated, “As we mark the 10th anniversary of the Jan Suraksha schemes, heartfelt appreciation for all the stakeholders, including field functionaries of banks and insurance companies, whose dedicated efforts have made these schemes a huge success” PIB, 2025. Union Minister of State for Finance, Shri Pankaj Chaudhary, added, “The objective of these schemes is to provide financial security to the poor and disadvantaged sections of the society.”

Awareness drives have been a key focus, particularly in rural areas. The government has adopted a targeted approach, organizing campaigns at the Gram Panchayat level to ensure coverage of eligible beneficiaries. The Jan Suraksha Portal has facilitated online enrollment and digital claims processing, reducing dependency on physical bank visits. Public response has been positive, with millions enrolling, though awareness gaps persist in remote areas.

Challenges and Way Forward

Despite their success, the Jan Suraksha schemes have faced several challenges:

Lack of Awareness: Many eligible individuals remain unaware of the schemes or the enrollment process, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Limited Coverage: PMJJBY covers only death, and PMSBY is restricted to accidental death or disability, leaving other risks like illness or non-accidental disability unaddressed.
Low Insurance Amounts: The ₹2 lakh coverage may be insufficient for many families, given rising living costs.
Delays in Claims Processing: Some beneficiaries have reported delays in claim disbursal, impacting those in urgent need.
Operational Issues: Challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, insufficient staff, and technical glitches have hindered enrollment and claims processes.

To overcome these hurdles, the government has implemented measures like:

Streamlining claims processes, resulting in a 99.72% settlement rate for PMJJBY claims during the pandemic.
Launching awareness campaigns, such as the “Jansuraksha Campaign” in 2021, to boost enrollment.
Introducing digital platforms like the Jan Suraksha Portal for seamless enrollment and claims.

Future Goals and Suggestions

The government’s future goals include:

Wider Coverage: Expanding enrollment to cover every eligible individual, particularly in underserved regions.
Enhanced Digitization: Further leveraging technology to simplify enrollment, premium payments, and claims processing.
Increased Awareness: Intensifying outreach through media, community programs, and partnerships with local organizations.

Suggestions to strengthen the schemes include:

Expanding Coverage Scope: Including health-related risks or increasing coverage amounts to better meet beneficiaries’ needs.
Improving Infrastructure: Investing in banking and digital infrastructure in rural areas to facilitate enrollment.
Regular Reviews: Periodically assessing the schemes’ impact and adjusting premiums or benefits based on economic conditions.
Partnerships with NGOs: Collaborating with non-governmental organizations to enhance awareness and enrollment in remote areas.

Conclusion

The Jan Suraksha schemes—PMJJBY, PMSBY, and APY—have significantly transformed India’s social security landscape over the past decade. With over 82 crore enrollments and substantial claims settled, these schemes have provided a robust safety net for the unorganized and economically weaker sections. The government’s commitment to financial inclusion, evidenced by awareness drives, digitization efforts, and streamlined processes, underscores its dedication to inclusive development. However, challenges like awareness gaps and limited coverage highlight the need for continued efforts. By addressing these issues and expanding the schemes’ reach, India can ensure that every citizen has access to basic financial security, reinforcing the vision of “Securing the Unsecured.”

References

National Portal of India

Press Information Bureau (PIB)

Department of Financial Services