Page 9 - NIS English 16-28 Feb, 2026

UNION CABINET DECISIONS

Atal Pension Yojana extended till

2030-31; SIDBI to receive ₹5,000 crore

The central government is committed to the welfare of unorganized sector workers. With this
view, the Union Cabinet has taken a significant decision, approving the continuation of the Atal
Pension Yojana till 2030-31. This will ensure old-age income security for low-income groups and
unorganized sector workers. Additionally, a proposal to provide ₹5,000 crore in equity support
to SIDBI has been approved, which will benefit many MSMEs...

DECISION: Approval for the continuation of the
Atal Pension Yojana (APY) until the financial
year 2030-31
IMPACT: As of January 19, 2026, over 8.66 crore sub-
scribers have enrolled in the Atal Pension Yojana,
making it a cornerstone of India’s inclusive social DECISION: Ap-
security framework. The APY provides a guaranteed proval of equity
minimum pension of ₹1,000 to ₹5,000 per month, support of
starting at age 60, based on contributions. The APY ₹5,000 crore to
was launched on May 9, 2015, with the objective of the Small Industries
providing old-age income security to workers in the Development Bank of
unorganized sector. India (SIDBI).
IMPACT: After the

KEY IMPACTS: equity capital infusion
n It ensures old-age income security for millions of of ₹5,000 crore, the
low-income and unorganized sector workers. number of MSMEs re-
ceiving financial assistance
n It promotes financial inclusion and supports is expected to increase from
India’s transition to a pension-based society. 76.26 lakh at the end of FY 2025

n It strengthens the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 by to 1.02 crore by the end of FY 2028
providing sustainable social security. (i.e., approximately 25.74 lakh new
MSME beneficiaries will be added).
GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR AWARENESS AND n According to the latest data available from
CAPACITY BUILDING: the Ministry of MSME’s official website (as
n Promotional and developmental activities, includ- of 30.09.2025), a total of 30.16 crore people are
ing awareness and capacity building, to increase employed by 6.90 crore MSMEs (i.e., an average of
outreach among unorganized workers.
4.37 persons employed per MSME).
n Allocation of necessary funds to meet the viability re- n Considering this average, the addition of an esti-
quirements of scheme and ensure its sustainability.
mated 25.74 lakh new MSME beneficiaries by the
Scan the QR code to watch the end of FY 2027-28 is expected to generate approx-
press briefing on Cabinet decisions imately 1.12 crore new jobs. n

February 16-28, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 7