January 21, 2026 : The Union Cabinet, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until the financial year 2030–31, along with extended government funding support for promotional, developmental and gap-funding measures. The decision is aimed at reinforcing the long-term sustainability of the scheme while expanding its reach among workers in the unorganised sector.

Under the approved framework, government support will continue for awareness campaigns, capacity building and other outreach initiatives to broaden coverage. In addition, gap funding will be provided wherever required to meet viability needs. The government believes this approach will help secure old-age income for millions of low-income workers, strengthen financial inclusion and support India’s transition towards a pensioned society in line with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision.

The Atal Pension Yojana was launched on May 9, 2015, with the objective of providing social security to workers outside the formal sector. The scheme offers a guaranteed minimum monthly pension ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 from the age of 60, depending on the contribution made by the subscriber during the working years. As of January 19, 2026, more than 8.66 crore people have enrolled under the scheme, making it one of the central pillars of India’s social security framework.

According to the government, continued financial and institutional support is crucial to maintain the scheme’s momentum, improve public awareness and bridge funding gaps, ensuring that APY remains viable and effective in the long run.