The Atal Pension Yojana (APY) has surpassed 8.34 crore enrollments, with women constituting 48 percent of the total subscribers, indicating significant participation by female beneficiaries across India, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in Lok Sabha. Launched in May 2015, APY aims to establish a universal social security system, particularly targeting workers in the unorganized sector. The scheme is open to individuals aged 18 to 40 with a savings bank or post-office account, offering pension benefits after age 60, with disbursals expected from 2035. The government and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) have undertaken various initiatives to boost awareness and enrollment, including extensive advertising campaigns across multiple media, providing scheme brochures in 13 vernacular languages, and conducting virtual capacity-building programmes for banking personnel, self-help groups, and other field agents.
Efforts to increase awareness are further supported by institutions such as NABARD, NCFE, the National Rural Livelihood Mission, and State Rural Livelihood Missions. Digital channels like internet banking, mobile apps, and bank portals have simplified online onboarding for subscribers. The scheme is implemented through the Department of Posts and a broad network of banks—including public sector, private, regional rural, small finance, and cooperative banks—registered as Points of Presence under PFRDA. Additionally, nationwide financial inclusion drives in partnership with banks and banking committees aim to promote pension saturation, ensuring broader coverage and benefits for Indian citizens.
