PM-SYM Scheme Enrollment Reaches 54 Lakh Beneficiaries
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme, launched in February 2019 to provide old age protection to unorganized sector workers, has enrolled over 54 lakh beneficiaries across the country as of July 29, 2026. This voluntary and contributory pension scheme offers a monthly assured pension of ₹3,000 to unorganized workers after they attain 60 years of age.
Eligibility and Contribution Structure
Eligibility requires workers to be in the age group of 18 to 40 years with monthly income of ₹15,000 or less, who are not members of EPFO, ESIC, or NPS (contributed by Central Government) and not income tax assessees. The monthly contribution ranges from ₹55 to ₹200 depending on the beneficiary's entry age, with 50% paid by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution by the Central Government. The government's total matching contribution stands at ₹2,011.01 crore nationwide.
Enrollment and Demographic Data
Enrollment is conducted through approximately 4 lakh Common Service Centres across India, with self-enrollment available via www.maandhan.in. Women unorganized workers represent 53.1% of total enrollments. Pension disbursement will commence after beneficiaries reach 60 years of age, with the first payments expected not before February 2039 since the scheme's launch in February 2019.
Challenges and Government Measures
Subscriber accounts may become inactive primarily due to non-payment of monthly contributions caused by insufficient bank balance, changed or closed bank accounts, or lack of awareness about regular contributions. The government has implemented multiple measures to improve retention and awareness, including periodic review meetings with States/UTs, providing incentives to Common Services Centres, launching new features (Voluntary Exit, Revival Module, Claim Status, Account Statement), extending revival period for dormant accounts from one to three years, integrating with eShram portal, conducting SMS campaigns, addressing State Chief Secretaries, and organizing nationwide special registration drives.