RAS question
APY was originally launched in which year?
Correct answer: (B) 2015.
Atal Pension Yojana was launched on 9 May 2015 as part of the Jan Suraksha schemes.
Explanation
APY refers to Atal Pension Yojana, one of the three Jan Suraksha schemes named by PIB along with Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana. PIB states that these schemes were launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 9 May 2015. APY is an initiative to create a universal social security system, especially for the poor, the under-privileged and workers in the unorganised sector. Therefore, 2015 is the launch year, not merely a later implementation or anniversary reference.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) 2014 is too early, because the PIB release places the launch of APY and the other Jan Suraksha schemes on 9 May 2015.
- (C) 2016 is too late, as APY was officially launched on 9 May 2015.
- (D) 2018 is not the launch year, since APY is officially tied to the Jan Suraksha launch on 9 May 2015.
Concept
Indian Economy coverage of central social security schemes includes the launch chronology of APY. APY belongs with the Jan Suraksha schemes rather than as a standalone pension fact.