Did Gross Enrolment Under Atal Pension Yojana Exceed 8.34 Crore? FM Sitharaman Reports
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Synopsis
The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has achieved a significant milestone with gross enrolment exceeding 8.34 crore, highlighting the government's commitment to social security for all citizens, particularly the underprivileged. This initiative not only aims to provide financial support but also empowers women, especially in states like Bihar.
Key Takeaways
- The Atal Pension Yojana now has over 8.34 crore enrolments.
- A significant portion of the enrolments are women, with 4 crore female participants.
- The scheme targets the underprivileged and workers in the unorganised sector.
- Awareness and outreach efforts are ongoing, particularly in rural areas.
- Pension benefits will begin from 2035.
New Delhi, Dec 1 (NationPress) The total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), aimed at establishing a universal social security framework particularly for the underprivileged, poor, and workers in the unorganised sector, has reached 8,34,13,738 as of October 31, as announced in Parliament on Monday.
Initiated in 2015, the APY aims to provide a universal social security system for all citizens of India aged between 18 and 40, provided they have a savings account either in a bank or a post office.
Subscribers will begin receiving pension benefits when they reach the age of 60.
“Thus, the pension benefits under APY are anticipated to commence from 2035 onwards. However, the total enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana as of October 31, 2025 stands at 8,34,13,738,” Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman informed the Lok Sabha in a written response.
As of October 31, there are 4,04,41,135 female enrolments under APY, accounting for 48 percent of the total enrolment, she pointed out.
In Bihar, female enrolments under APY are 42,07,233, making up 57 percent of the total enrolment in the state.
“As of October 31, 2025, there are 7,153 bank branches and 461 post office branches actively enrolling individuals into APY in Bihar,” the Finance Minister added.
The government, along with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), has implemented numerous initiatives to raise awareness and expand APY's reach throughout the country, including in rural and remote regions of Bihar.
These initiatives encompass regular advertisements, an APY Subscribers Information Brochure available in 13 vernacular languages, and virtual training programs for Banking Correspondents (BCs), banking staff, Self Help Group (SHG) members, and bank-sakhis of State Rural Livelihoods Missions (SRLMs).
Over the past five years, such programs have been conducted in various districts of Bihar, including Muzaffarpur, Patna, Bhojpur, and Nalanda.
Recently, nationwide financial inclusion campaigns for pension coverage were conducted, including 8,093 campaigns in Bihar, stated Sitharaman.
Point of View
It is clear that the Atal Pension Yojana exemplifies the government's commitment to social security. This scheme is pivotal in providing financial stability to millions, particularly the marginalized sections of society. The impressive enrolment figures reflect a positive trend toward inclusivity and empowerment, especially among women in rural areas.
NationPress
01/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Atal Pension Yojana?
The Atal Pension Yojana is a government initiative launched in 2015 aimed at providing a universal social security system for Indian citizens, particularly the poor and the underprivileged.
Who is eligible for the Atal Pension Yojana?
Any Indian citizen aged between 18 and 40 years with a savings account in a bank or post office can enroll in the Atal Pension Yojana.
When will beneficiaries start receiving pension benefits?
Beneficiaries will start receiving pension benefits once they reach the age of 60, with the first benefits expected to be disbursed from 2035.
How many people are currently enrolled in the Atal Pension Yojana?
As of October 31, 2025, the gross enrolment under the Atal Pension Yojana has reached 8,34,13,738.
What initiatives has the government taken to promote APY?
The government has undertaken various initiatives, including advertisements, informational brochures in multiple languages, and training programs to raise awareness about the Atal Pension Yojana.
