The government of India recently launched the Prime Minister Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) Yojana. The scheme is aimed at providing social security to unorganized workers in the country who are not covered under any statutory social security scheme.
The scheme is specifically meant for the workers in the unorganized sector whose monthly income is less than Rs.15,000 and are engaged in occupations such as street vendors, cobblers, rickshaw pullers, and other similar jobs. Under the scheme, the workers will have to contribute a minimum of Rs.55 per month to the scheme, while the government will make an equal contribution of Rs. 55 per month.
The scheme is expected to benefit around 10 crore workers in the unorganized sector. The beneficiaries, on attaining the age of 60 years, will receive a monthly pension of Rs.3,000 for the rest of their lives, subject to certain conditions like the age of entry into the scheme and contribution period of 20 years.
Farmers across the country being a major part of the unorganized sector can also benefit from the PM-SYM Yojana. With the launch of the scheme, farmers who are not covered under any social security scheme can now opt for it and start contributing towards their social security.
To avail of the benefits of the scheme, the farmers will have to submit an application form to their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or registering agency along with their Aadhaar card and savings bank account or Jan-Dhan account number.
Through the PM-SYM Yojana, the Government has made efforts to provide financial security to the workers in the unorganized sector, including the farmers. The scheme is a step towards recognizing their contribution to the Indian economy and addressing their social security needs. Farmers and other unorganized workers should take advantage of the scheme and start contributing towards their own social security.