Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM) is a government pension scheme launched to provide financial security to unorganised-sector workers in their old age. Under this scheme, eligible workers receive a fixed monthly pension after the age of 60 by contributing a small amount during their working years. With government co-contribution and assured pension benefits, the scheme ensures social security for workers in the informal sector.

Introduction of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana: A Brief Insight

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana is a government-backed pension scheme designed to provide old-age protection and social security to unorganised sector workers across India. Under this scheme, eligible workers receive a fixed monthly pension after reaching 60 years of age, ensuring financial stability in their later years, when earning capacity declines significantly.

The scheme was announced in the Interim Budget 2019 on 1 February 2019 and became operational from 15 February 2019, rolled out by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Prime Minister Narendra Modi described it as the first-ever pension scheme of its kind since independence for crores of workers engaged in the informal sector. It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme where workers contribute a small monthly amount during their working years.

The primary objective of this scheme is to provide a minimum assured pension to workers in the informal sector who do not have access to formal social security systems. Unorganised workers contribute approximately 50% of India’s GDP, yet remain largely outside any pension safety net, PM-SYM directly addresses this gap. Along with pension support, eligible beneficiaries can also explore the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, which supports traditional artisans and workers through financial assistance and skill development.

Under the scheme, subscribers receive a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 after attaining the age of 60 years. The Central Government contributes an equal amount, matching the subscriber’s contribution on a 50:50 basis, making it a joint contribution pension system. The Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) manages the Pension Fund and is responsible for pension payouts.

Workers between the age group of 18 to 40 years with a monthly income of Rs. 15,000 or less are required to contribute monthly amounts ranging from Rs. 55 to Rs. 200, depending on their age at entry. The contribution continues until the subscriber attains 60 years of age and is automatically deducted through an auto-debit facility from the savings bank or Jan Dhan account.

In case of death of the subscriber after pension begins, the spouse is entitled to receive 50% of the pension (Rs. 1,500 per month) as family pension. The scheme also includes provisions for permanent disability, early exit, and continuation by the spouse as per government rules.

Eligible beneficiaries include unorganised sector workers such as street vendors, construction workers, domestic workers, rickshaw pullers, beedi workers, handloom workers, leather workers, and other labourers earning up to Rs. 15,000 per month. Eligibility is based on self-certification of income and occupation; no income proof document is required.

As of 16 July 2024, more than 50 lakh beneficiaries have enrolled under PM-SYM. The scheme has been integrated with the e-Shram portal (two-way integration), enabling seamless delivery to over 30.51 crore registered unorganised workers as of 31 December 2024.

Workers can enrol through the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or through online self-enrollment at the official Maandhan portal. In case of any assistance, applicants can contact the toll-free helpline 1800 2676 888, available 24×7.

You can also check the Complete List of Indian Government Schemes for Unorganised Workers to explore more initiatives related to financial security and social welfare.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

The Government of India under its Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana provides the following benefits to ensure old age protection and social security for unorganised sector workers :

• Provides a minimum assured pension of Rs. 3,000 per month after the subscriber attains the age of 60 years.
• The scheme is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme where workers contribute monthly during their working years.
• The Central Government contributes an equal matching amount to the subscriber’s contribution.
• Ensures lifelong pension support after retirement.
• In case of the death of the subscriber after pension begins, the spouse receives 50% of the pension as family pension.
• If the subscriber dies before the age of 60, the spouse can continue the scheme by contributing or exit with accumulated benefits.
• In case of permanent disability before 60 years, the spouse may continue the scheme or exit with a contribution along with applicable interest.
• Contributions are made through auto-debit from a bank account, ensuring continuity without manual payment.
• Upon successful enrollment, the subscriber receives a PM-SYM Card as proof of registration.
• The scheme features a Donate-a-Pension Module that allows employers to pay PM-SYM contributions on behalf of their unorganised sector workers, making enrollment easier for those with irregular income.
• The scheme allows revival of dormant accounts up to 3 years, giving flexibility to workers with seasonal or irregular income who miss contributions.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

Workers who wish to avail benefits under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana must fulfil the following eligibility conditions prescribed by the Government of India :

• The applicant must be an unorganised sector worker such as a street vendor, domestic worker, construction worker, rickshaw puller, agricultural labourer, or similar occupation.
• The applicant must fall within the age group of 18 to 40 years at the time of enrollment.
• The applicant’s monthly income should be Rs. 15,000 or less.
• The applicant must have a savings bank account or a Jan Dhan account.
• The applicant must possess a valid Aadhaar card and mobile number.
• Eligibility is based on self-certification of income and occupation.

Who is Not Eligible for PM-SYM (Exclusion Criteria)

• Workers covered under EPFO, ESIC, or National Pension System (NPS).
• Individuals who are income tax payers.
• Workers are already enrolled under other government pension schemes.
• Subscribers of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana or Pradhan Mantri Vyapari Maandhan Yojana.

Documents Required to be Attached

Applicants who wish to enrol under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana must keep the following documents ready at the time of registration. The details provided should match official records for successful enrollment :

• Aadhaar Card of the applicant (mandatory for identity verification and authentication).
• Savings Bank Account or Jan Dhan Account details (Account Number and IFSC Code).
• Bank Passbook / Cheque Book / Bank Statement as proof of bank account.
• Mobile Number (for OTP verification and communication).
• e-Shram UAN Number.
• First month contribution amount (to be paid at the time of enrollment at the Common Service Centre (CSC).

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of this Scheme

Eligible unorganised sector workers can enrol under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana through Common Service Centres (CSC) or by using the Official Maandhan Portal. The enrollment process is simple and based on Aadhaar authentication and bank linkage.

Offline Registration through CSC

Step 1 – Visit CSC Centre: The applicant should visit the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) with the required documents.

Step 2 – Provide Documents: Submit Aadhaar Card, savings bank account or Jan Dhan account details, and mobile number.

Step 3 – Aadhaar Authentication: Biometric authentication is completed using Aadhaar details.

Step 4 – Fill Application Form: The Village Level Entrepreneur (VLE) enters personal details, bank details, nominee details, and other required information.

Step 5 – First Contribution Payment: The applicant pays the first monthly contribution amount in cash.

Step 6 – Auto-Debit Activation: The auto-debit facility is activated from the bank account for future monthly contributions.

Step 7 – PM-SYM Card Issued: After successful enrollment, a PM-SYM card is generated and provided to the subscriber.

Online Self-Enrollment Process

Step 1 – Visit Official Portal: Go to the PM-SYM Portal and choose the self-enrollment option.

Step 2 – Mobile Verification: Enter your mobile number and verify through OTP.

Step 3 – Fill Required Details: Provide Aadhaar details, bank account information, and personal details.

Step 4 – Contribution Calculation: The system automatically calculates the monthly contribution based on age.

Step 5 – Submit Application: Complete the registration and save the acknowledgement for future reference.

PM-SYM Contribution Chart (Age-wise Monthly Contribution)

The monthly contribution under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana depends on the age at which the worker joins the scheme. The Central Government contributes an equal matching amount :

The contribution amount remains fixed once the subscriber joins the scheme and continues until the age of 60 years.

Exit and Withdrawal Rules under PM-SYM

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana provides flexible exit options to subscribers under different circumstances :

• If a subscriber exits the scheme within 10 years, only the subscriber’s contribution is returned with savings bank interest.
• If a subscriber exits after 10 years or more but before age 60, the contribution is returned along with accumulated interest or savings bank interest, whichever is higher.
• If the subscriber dies before the age of 60, the spouse can continue the scheme or exit with accumulated contributions and interest.
• If the subscriber becomes permanently disabled before age 60, the spouse may continue or exit with contributions and applicable interest.
• If both the subscriber and the spouse die, the accumulated corpus is credited back to the pension fund.
• Subscribers can also regularise missed contributions by paying outstanding dues along with applicable charges.

Facilitation Centres and Support System

To assist unorganised workers, the Government has established facilitation support through various institutions :

• Common Service Centres (CSC) for enrollment and support.
• Labour Department offices at the Central and State levels.
• Branch offices of LIC for pension-related assistance.
• EPFO and ESIC offices are providing guidance and awareness.

These centres help workers understand the scheme, complete enrollment, and resolve queries related to contributions and pension benefits.

Difference Between PM-SYM and PM-KMY

The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana are both pension schemes under the Maandhan umbrella but serve different target groups. Understanding the difference helps eligible workers choose the right scheme :

• Target Beneficiary: PM-SYM targets unorganised sector workers such as street vendors, construction workers, and domestic workers. PM-KMY targets small and marginal farmers with land up to 2 hectares.
• Income Limit: PM-SYM requires a monthly income of Rs. 15,000 or less. PM-KMY does not specify an income limit but requires land records as proof of farmer status.
• Pension Amount: Both schemes provide a minimum assured pension of Rs. 3,000 per month after age 60.
• Government Contribution: Both schemes follow a 50:50 matching contribution model; the subscriber and the Central Government each contribute equally.
• Exclusion: A worker cannot enrol in both PM-SYM and PM-KMY simultaneously.
• Pension Fund Manager: Both schemes are managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

In simple terms, if you are a farmer with land up to 2 hectares, PM-KMY is the right scheme. If you are an unorganised sector worker earning up to Rs. 15,000 per month, PM-SYM is designed for you.

Important Links Available

• Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana Official Portal.
• PM-SYM Scheme Details (Ministry of Labour & Employment).
• Ministry of Labour and Employment Official Website.
• e-Shram Portal for Unorganised Workers Registration.
• Common Service Centres (CSC) Portal.

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Toll-Free Helpline Number :- 1800 2676 888, 14434 (Available 24×7 for queries and grievance support).
• Applicants can visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for enrollment assistance and scheme-related support.
• For guidance, workers can also contact their nearest Labour Department office, LIC branch office, or facilitation centres set up under the scheme.
• Beneficiaries can raise complaints or track issues through the official PM-SYM system available via the portal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana?
Ans. It is a government pension scheme that provides a monthly pension of Rs. 3,000 to unorganised sector workers after the age of 60 years.

Q. Who is eligible for PM-SYM?
Ans. Unorganised sector workers aged between 18 to 40 years with a monthly income up to Rs. 15,000 are eligible.

Q. How much pension is provided under this scheme?
Ans. A minimum assured pension of Rs. 3,000 per month is provided after attaining the age of 60 years.

Q. How much contribution is required?
Ans. Workers need to contribute between Rs. 55 to Rs. 200 per month, depending on their age, and the Government contributes an equal amount.

Q. What happens if the subscriber dies after starting the pension?
Ans. The spouse of the subscriber receives 50% of the pension as a family pension.

Q. Can the spouse continue the scheme if the subscriber dies before 60?
Ans. Yes, the spouse can continue the scheme by paying regular contributions or exit with accumulated benefits.

Q. What happens in the case of permanent disability?
Ans. If the subscriber becomes permanently disabled before 60 years, the spouse can continue the scheme or exit with a contribution along with applicable interest.

Q. Is Aadhaar mandatory for enrollment?
Ans. Yes, Aadhaar is required for authentication during the registration process.

Q. How can I apply for PM-SYM?
Ans. Applicants can enrol through the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or through online self-enrollment.

Q. Can I exit the scheme before 60 years?
Ans. Yes, subscribers can exit the scheme as per the rules, and their contribution is returned along with applicable interest.

Q. Is this scheme mandatory?
Ans. No, PM-SYM is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme.

Q. Who manages the pension fund under PM-SYM?
Ans. The pension fund is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

Q. What is the helpline number for PM-SYM?
Ans. The toll-free helpline number for Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana is 1800 2676 888, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for queries and grievance support.

Q. How many workers have enrolled in PM-SYM so far?
Ans. As of 16 July 2024, more than 50 lakh beneficiaries have enrolled under PM-SYM on the Maandhan portal.

Q. What is the Donate-a-Pension module under PM-SYM?
Ans. The Donate-a-Pension module allows employers to pay the PM-SYM monthly contribution on behalf of their unorganised sector workers. This helps increase enrollment among workers who may find it difficult to contribute regularly on their own.

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.