TNCC chief opposes withdrawal charges on Jan Dhan accounts

The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president has raised objections to a proposed scheme that would levy charges on withdrawals from Jan Dhan accounts, warning that such measures could undermine the flagship financial inclusion programme.

Manickam Tagore contended that imposing withdrawal charges would place an additional burden on economically weaker sections who rely on Jan Dhan accounts for basic banking services. The TNCC chief stressed that the scheme was designed to provide free access to banking facilities for those without formal bank accounts.

The Congress leader's opposition reflects broader concerns within opposition parties about measures that could compromise the original intent of the Jan Dhan Yojana. Tagore called for maintaining the account's zero-charge structure to ensure continued participation among low-income households.

The Jan Dhan Yojana, launched in 2014, has enabled millions of Indians to open bank accounts at no cost. The programme has been instrumental in bringing unbanked and underbanked populations into the formal financial system, with particular emphasis on reaching rural and marginalized communities.

Tagore's statement underscores the political sensitivity surrounding any modifications to welfare and financial inclusion schemes ahead of upcoming electoral cycles in the region.