New Delhi : The Government of India has achieved near-universal access to banking services, with 99.92% of villages now having a banking outlet within a 5-kilometre radius, according to data shared in the Lok Sabha. The information was provided by Minister of State for Finance, Pankaj Chaudhary, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha.
The initiative, aimed at strengthening financial inclusion, ensures availability of banking touchpoints such as bank branches, Business Correspondents, and India Post Payments Bank outlets across inhabited villages. The coverage is monitored through the GIS-enabled Jan Dhan Darshak App.
As per the latest data uploaded by banks on the platform, full coverage has been achieved in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli, while almost all villages nationwide fall within the targeted service radius as of March 6, 2026.
The government noted that key challenges in further expanding banking infrastructure include connectivity gaps, limited physical infrastructure, and the non-availability of suitable premises in remote areas.
Under existing guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India, the expansion of banking services in uncovered regions remains an ongoing process. This is overseen by State and Union Territory Level Bankers’ Committees in coordination with state governments and other stakeholders.
Banks evaluate proposals for opening new outlets based on regulatory guidelines, business plans, and commercial viability, supported by on-ground surveys where required.