Kolkata: The East Zone of India has emerged as a leading contributor to pension fund enrolments under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY), with 11 Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Kolkata-based Bandhan Bank surpassing their annual targets for FY 2024–25. In recognition of their outstanding performance, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) recently organised a felicitation-cum-strategy review event in Kolkata, where these financial institutions were honoured for their contribution to expanding financial inclusion and security.

Bandhan Bank achieved 101% of its APY enrolment target, while among the RRBs, Jharkhand Rajya Gramin Bank stood out with an impressive 393% achievement. It was followed by Tripura Gramin Bank at 351%, Odisha Gramya Bank at 154%, and Assam Gramin Vikash Bank at 149%. Other high achievers included Chhattisgarh Rajya Gramin Bank (144%), Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank (131%), Bangiya Gramin Vikash Bank (131%), Utkal Grameen Bank (121%), Manipur Rural Bank (118%), Uttarbanga Kshetriya Gramin Bank (118%), and Dakshin Bihar Gramin Bank (116%). Among Cooperative Banks, Mizoram Co-operative Apex Bank recorded a 125% achievement of its target.

During the felicitation ceremony, Dr. Deepak Mohanty, Chairperson of PFRDA, praised the East Zone’s leadership in driving APY expansion and emphasized the collective role of banks in building a financially secure India. He was joined by Whole Time Member (Economics) Ms. Mamta Shankar and Chief General Manager Shri Pravesh Kumar, along with senior representatives from participating banks and SLBCs/UTLBCs. APY enrolments nationwide crossed 1.17 crore in FY 2024–25, reflecting an 18% year-on-year growth and bringing the total number of subscribers to 7.61 crore. Remarkably, women accounted for 55% of the new enrolments, signaling a rise in financial awareness and improved gender parity.

The SLBCs of East Zone states played a critical role in this success, with most states surpassing their yearly targets. Jharkhand led with 184%, followed by Bihar at 175%, Tripura at 158%, West Bengal at 148%, Assam at 130%, Chhattisgarh at 115%, and Odisha at 111%. As APY continues to gain momentum, with over 1 crore new subscribers added each year for the past three years, PFRDA reiterated its commitment to work closely with banks and post offices to ensure every eligible citizen is covered under the scheme, securing a dignified retirement for all.