For the Union Budget 2026, the government may be considering women-centric financial measures, with a focus on strengthening credit and insurance access through Jan Dhan accounts, as part of its wider push towards universal financial inclusion. Alongside this, the government is also considering suggestions to widen the scope of the Jan Suraksha schemes and provide policyholders with choices to enhance their insurance cover. People aware of the discussions said the proposed measures could include tailor-made credit cards, loan offerings and insurance products designed specifically for women. These steps are expected to build on initiatives announced in the FY26 Budget, such as the introduction of the Grameen Credit Score and targeted credit support for first-time entrepreneurs. “Measures to support the credit requirements of rural enterprises and self-help groups (SHGs) are also being actively considered,” an official told ET. These proposals are part of a larger effort to improve the effectiveness of social security-linked financial products.The Niti Aayog is also evaluating the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), with particular attention on reviving inactive accounts. The exercise aims to encourage account holders to keep their Jan Dhan accounts active by improving access to both credit and insurance facilities. “This is being pursued with an aim at achieving 100% saturation,” another official said.According to the official, the Aayog believes that deeper credit inclusion and closing financial literacy gaps among Jan Dhan account holders are essential to strengthening India’s digital economy. The ongoing review of PMJDY is intended to align the flagship financial inclusion programme with the government’s long-term vision of Viksit Bharat, or making India a developed country by 2047.“Customer-orientated initiatives like continued emphasis on returning unclaimed funds and addressing insurance claim grievances through more robust regulatory supervision may also find mention in the budget announcement,” another official said.
