Agencies
New Delhi, March 1
The government on Sunday said Atal Pension Yojna (APY), announced in the budget, will be launched on 1 June and will focus on all citizens in the unorganised sector entitling them to a pension of up to Rs.5,000 per month after 60 years of age. The scheme would be launched from 1 June. The existing subscribers of Swavalamban Scheme would be automatically migrated to the APY pension scheme, unless they opt out. “The APY will be focused on all citizens in the unorganised sector, who join the National Pension System (NPS) administered by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and who are not members of any statutory social security scheme,” the finance ministry said in a statement.
Under the scheme, the subscribers would receive fixed pension in the range of Rs.1,000 to Rs.5,000 per month, at the age of 60 years, depending on their contributions, which itself would vary on the age of joining the scheme. “The minimum age of joining APY is 18 years and maximum age is 40 years. Therefore, minimum period of contribution by the subscriber under APY would be 20 years or more,” it said. The benefit of fixed pension would be guaranteed by the government.
“The central government would also co-contribute 50% of the subscriber’s contribution or Rs.1,000 per annum, whichever is lower, to each eligible subscriber account, for a period of 5 years,” it added. As regards the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, the release said it would be available for the people in the age group of 18 to 50 and having a bank account.
“People who join the scheme before completing 50 years can, however, continue to have the risk of life cover up to the age of 55 years subject to payment of premium,” it said adding there would be a premium of Rs.330 per annum for risk coverage upto Rs.2 lakh. It said the Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana will be available to the people in the age group of 18-70. It will provide for the risk of accidental death and full disability—Rs.2 lakh and for partial disability Rs.1 lakh at an annual premium of Rs.12.
