The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until the financial year 2030–31, reinforcing the government’s commitment to strengthening social security for millions of workers in the unorganised sector. Under the decision, continued financial backing will be provided for the programme’s promotional, developmental, and gap-funding requirements to ensure broader outreach and long-term sustainability.
Key Highlights
- Union Cabinet approves extension of Atal Pension Yojana funding support until financial year 2030–31.
- Continued outreach and gap funding aim to expand pension coverage for unorganised sector workers.
Launched in May 2015, APY is designed to offer a guaranteed pension to subscribers from the age of 60, with payouts ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month, based on their contribution levels. The scheme primarily targets individuals without formal retirement benefits, including workers in the informal economy, thereby enhancing income security in old age.
As of January 19, 2026, more than 8.66 crore people have enrolled under the programme, making it a central component of India’s social security framework. Officials highlighted that extending government support for awareness campaigns, capacity building and gap funding will help expand the scheme’s reach and ensure its viability.
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The extension is expected to deepen financial inclusion across rural and urban areas while supporting India’s broader vision of building a pensioned society and achieving sustainable social security goals.
