Shimla: Deputy Commissioner Anupam Kashyap has urged workers in the unorganised sector to enrol under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana to ensure financial security in old age.
Chairing a district-level review meeting here on Monday, Kashyap said the scheme offers a guaranteed monthly pension of ₹3,000 after the age of 60. He added that workers aged between 18 and 40 years, earning less than ₹15,000 per month, are eligible to join with a minimal monthly contribution ranging from ₹55 to ₹200, depending on their age. The Central Government contributes an equal amount under a 50:50 contribution model.
Highlighting ease of access, the Deputy Commissioner said that registration under the scheme is being done free of cost at Lok Mitra Kendras. Applicants are required to provide an Aadhaar card, savings bank or Jan Dhan account details, and a mobile number.
He further informed that a wide range of unorganised workers—including domestic workers, porters, kiln workers, sanitation workers, washermen, hawkers, agricultural labourers, construction workers, handicraft and handloom workers, leather workers, mid-day meal workers, MNREGA workers and other self-employed individuals—are eligible to benefit from the scheme. However, individuals covered under ESI, EPF, income tax payers or existing pension holders are not eligible.
Additional District Magistrate (Law and Order) Pankaj Sharma, Labour Officer Inder Negi, Labour Welfare Officer Shrey Sharma and officials from various departments were present during the meeting.
The district administration emphasised the need to increase awareness about the scheme to ensure maximum enrolment among eligible beneficiaries.
