Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme has emerged as a major social security initiative for workers in India's unorganised sector, with more than 5.4 million beneficiaries enrolled nationwide. Launched in February 2019, the voluntary and contributory pension scheme provides an assured monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60, helping workers secure financial stability during their old age.
According to official data available as of July 29, 2026, over 5.4 million workers have enrolled under the scheme, with women accounting for 53.1% of the total beneficiaries, highlighting their growing participation in social security programmes.
The scheme is open to unorganised sector workers aged between 18 and 40 years with a monthly income of ₹15,000 or less.
Depending on the age at the time of enrolment, beneficiaries contribute between ₹55 and ₹200 per month. The Central Government matches the subscriber's contribution with an equal amount, making the scheme more affordable for low-income workers. So far, the Government has contributed over ₹2,011.01 crore as its matching share under the PM-SYM scheme.
Pension Begins After the Age of 60:
Subscribers become eligible to receive the assured ₹3,000 monthly pension after attaining 60 years of age. Since the scheme was launched in February 2019, pension payments to the earliest subscribers are expected to commence from February 2039 onwards.
Easy Registration through CSCs and Online Portal:
Eligible workers can enroll through the country's network of nearly 400,000 Common Service Centres (CSCs). Self-registration is also available through the Maandhan online portal, making enrolment more accessible for workers across the country.
Why Do Some Accounts Become Inactive?
Government Initiatives to Improve Participation:
To improve enrolment, retention and awareness, the Government has introduced several reforms under the scheme. These include regular review meetings with States and Union Territories, incentives for Common Service Centres (CSCs) to enrol eligible workers, and digital features such as Voluntary Exit, Revival Module, Claim Status, and Account Statement. The revival period for dormant accounts has also been extended from one year to three years. In addition, PM-SYM has been integrated with the eShram portal, while nationwide SMS campaigns, coordination with State governments, and special enrolment drives are being conducted to expand the scheme's reach.
A Stronger Social Security Net for Informal Workers:
PM Shram Yogi Maandhan has become an important pillar of India's social security framework for unorganised workers. By combining affordable contributions with equal government support and a guaranteed monthly pension, the scheme aims to provide long-term financial security and improve the quality of life for millions of workers during their retirement years.
FAQs:
1. What is the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme?
The PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme is a Government pension scheme for unorganised sector workers that provides a guaranteed ₹3,000 monthly pension after the age of 60.
2. Who is eligible for the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme?
Workers aged 18 to 40 years with a monthly income of ₹15,000 or less, who are not members of EPFO, ESIC, NPS, and are not income taxpayers, can apply.
3. How much is the monthly contribution under the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme?
Subscribers contribute between ₹55 and ₹200 per month, depending on their age. The Central Government contributes an equal matching amount.
4. How can workers register for the PM Shram Yogi Maandhan Scheme?
Eligible workers can register through Common Service Centres (CSCs) or the online Maandhan portal.
5. When will beneficiaries start receiving the pension?
Subscribers receive the assured ₹3,000 monthly pension after completing 60 years of age. The earliest pension payments are expected from February 2039.
