Atal Pension Yojana accumulates record 7.65 crore subscribers; women make about 48pc

IANS May 16, 2025 178 views

The Atal Pension Yojana, launched in May 2015, aims to address retirement security for India's unorganised sector. It recently achieved a milestone by reaching 7.65 crore subscribers, with women constituting 48% of this number. The initiative, which provides fixed monthly pensions, has become a pivotal social security scheme, encouraging savings among low-income households. The scheme's success is marked by increased digital integration and an expanding footprint across rural India.

"The Atal Pension Yojana has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s social security ecosystem." - Social Welfare Department
New Delhi, May 16: Atal Pension Yojana has accumulated a record 7.65 crore subscribers, and women make up about 48 per cent of all, according to data from the government.

Key Points

1

Atal Pension Yojana launched in May 2015 focuses on unorganised sector

2

7.65 crore subscribers with nearly half being women

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Significant surge in overall enrolments noted recently

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System enhances digital integration and rural outreach

Atal Pension Yojana (APY) was launched in May 2015, to address the twin challenges of longevity risks and lack of retirement security among India’s vast unorganised workforce.

The scheme, offering defined pension benefits based on the age of joining and the amount of contribution, was designed to encourage voluntary savings for retirement.

It targeted primarily at poor and underprivileged workers in the informal sector and has emerged as one of the most inclusive and accessible social security initiatives in India.

“As of April 2025, APY has accumulated over 7.65 crore subscribers, mobilised a total corpus of Rs 45,974.67 crore,” said the Social Welfare department.

The scheme has “recorded increasing participation from women, who now comprise about 48 per cent of all subscribers”, it added.

Notably, women make up over 55 per cent of new subscribers in FY 2024-25.

There has also been a significant surge in overall enrolments during the same period.

The APY scheme was initially available to all citizens of India between 18 and 40 years of age. From October 2022, individuals paying income tax are not eligible to join the scheme.

The scheme provides subscribers with a fixed monthly pension at the age of 60 years, based on their contributions. Pension slabs available: Rs 1,000, Rs 2,000, Rs 3,000, Rs 4,000, and Rs 5,000 per month.

The minimum contribution period is 20 years, depending on the age of joining.

“The Atal Pension Yojana has emerged as a cornerstone of India’s social security ecosystem, especially for its vast unorganised workforce. With nearly 7.65 crore subscribers and a steadily growing pension corpus, the scheme not only ensures financial independence for the elderly but also promotes long-term savings culture among low-income households,” the Department said.

APY’s footprint has been broadened across India with the government’s continued focus on digital integration, women's participation, and rural outreach.

“The Atal Pension Yojana is steadily progressing toward its vision of "Pension for All."

Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is such a great initiative! My mother enrolled in APY last year and it gives her so much peace of mind. More women participating shows how financial independence is becoming important for Indian women. 👏
R
Rahul S.
While the numbers look impressive, I hope the government ensures transparency in fund management. We've seen pension scams before. The scheme is good but needs strong oversight.
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Anjali M.
As a self-employed woman, APY has been a blessing. The Rs 5000/month pension option gives me security for my old age. More awareness campaigns needed in rural areas though!
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Vikram P.
The scheme is good but Rs 5000/month in 20-30 years might not be enough due to inflation. Government should consider increasing the pension amounts periodically.
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Sunita R.
Bahut accha scheme hai! My domestic help enrolled after I explained it to her. Now she's telling all her friends. This is real women empowerment at grassroots level. 💪
K
Karan D.
The digital integration part is crucial. Many unorganized workers don't have proper documents. Hope the government simplifies the enrollment process further.

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Tags:
Atal Pension Yojana APY Women Subscribers Social Security India Retirement Scheme
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