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GS2 · Social security

Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana to 2030-31

1 min readWelfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections
Battle IAS current affairs title card: Cabinet extends Atal Pension Yojana to 2030-31 (GS2 · Social security, 21 January 2026)

What happened

  • The Cabinet continued APY up to FY 2030-31, with funding for promotion and gap funding [PIB].
  • Over 8.66 crore subscribers were enrolled as of 19 January 2026 [PIB].

Background

  • APY (2015) guarantees ₹1,000–5,000 monthly pension from age 60 to unorganised workers. PFRDA regulates it.

Why it matters

  • Most of India’s workforce is informal. APY is one of the few pension options for them.

How to use this in Mains

GS-II Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections

  1. As per PIB (2026-01-21): the Cabinet continued APY up to FY 2030-31, with funding for promotion and gap funding.
  2. Most of India's workforce is informal. APY is one of the few pension options for them.
Quotable data point

Over 8.66 crore subscribers were enrolled as of 19 January 2026.

PIB: Cabinet: APY continuation, 21 Jan 2026

Exam angle

UPSC

Prelims: APY.

Practice MCQs

Original practice questions (not PYQs).

Practice · UPSC

APY subscribers

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Extended up to

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Practice · UPSC

Regulator

Answer (b) & explanation

PIB.

Go deeper

ExplainerSocial Justice (GS-II): Constitutional Basis, Vulnerable Sections, Welfare Schemes, Statutory Bodies and Implementation Gaps (UPSC Notes)

Official source: PIB: Cabinet: APY continuation, 21 Jan 2026

facts from cited sources only; faculty review pending