Introduction
The Government of India launched the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan Yojana (PM-SYM), popularly known as Pradhan Mantri Maandhan Yojana, to provide old-age pension benefits to unorganized sector workers. India has a very large workforce engaged in small jobs like rickshaw pullers, street vendors, construction workers, domestic help, and agricultural laborers. Most of them do not have access to pension schemes or social security. To support such workers after retirement, this scheme was started in February 2019.
This is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme where the beneficiary contributes a small fixed monthly amount during working age, and after the age of 60 years, receives a monthly pension of ₹3,000 for life.
Key Objectives of the Scheme
- Social Security for Workers – Provide financial support to unorganized workers after retirement.
- Pension Guarantee – Ensure a fixed monthly pension of ₹3,000.
- Encouragement of Savings – Motivate low-income workers to save a part of their earnings.
- Family Protection – In case of death of the beneficiary, the spouse receives 50% of the pension.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the Pradhan Mantri Maandhan Yojana, applicants must meet the following conditions:
✅ Age limit: 18 to 40 years
✅ Monthly income: Less than ₹15,000
✅ Occupation: Must be an unorganized sector worker (e.g., street vendor, rickshaw puller, small shopkeeper, agricultural worker, construction worker, domestic helper, etc.)
✅ Must have:
- Aadhaar Card
- Savings Bank Account / Jan Dhan Account
❌ Not eligible if: - Paying income tax
- Member of EPFO, NPS, ESIC or any other social security scheme
Pension Benefits
- The beneficiary will receive ₹3,000 per month pension after turning 60 years.
- Pension is directly credited to the bank account.
- After the beneficiary’s death, spouse gets 50% pension (i.e., ₹1,500 per month).
- If both husband and wife join the scheme, each will get ₹3,000 separately (total ₹6,000 per month for the family).
Contribution Details
The contribution amount depends on the age of joining. The earlier you join, the lesser you pay.
Example of monthly contribution:
| Age at Entry | Monthly Contribution by Beneficiary | Equal Contribution by Government |
|---|---|---|
| 18 years | ₹55 | ₹55 |
| 25 years | ₹80 | ₹80 |
| 30 years | ₹100 | ₹100 |
| 35 years | ₹150 | ₹150 |
| 40 years | ₹200 | ₹200 |
👉 The Government of India contributes the same amount as the worker.
How to Apply for PM Maandhan Yojana?
The application process is simple and free of cost.
Step 1: Visit CSC Center
- Go to your nearest Common Service Centre (CSC).
- Provide your Aadhaar card and bank passbook.
Step 2: Enrollment Process
- Fill in the application form digitally at CSC.
- The CSC operator will upload your details.
- You will need to pay your first monthly contribution in cash.
Step 3: Issuance of Card
- After successful registration, a Pension Card (PM-SYM Card) will be issued.
- You will also get a Unique Pension Account Number (UPAN).
Step 4: Contribution Deduction
- Every month, your contribution will be automatically deducted from your bank account via auto-debit.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Bank Account Passbook / Jan Dhan Account (with IFSC code)
- Mobile Number
- Passport-size Photo
Special Features of the Scheme
- Government’s equal contribution makes it very beneficial.
- Portable scheme – Pension can be received anywhere in India.
- Spouse benefits – Ensures family support.
- Flexible exit – If the beneficiary exits early, the contribution with interest will be returned.
- Online monitoring – Scheme managed by Life Insurance Corporation (LIC), which guarantees pension.
Application Invitation Notice
The Government of India invites eligible workers to apply under this scheme through:
- Common Service Centres (CSC) across India.
- Labour Department offices.
- Official Website: https://maandhan.in
Workers are encouraged to enroll early (between 18–40 years) to enjoy lower contributions and higher benefits.
Helpline Numbers
- Toll-Free Number: 1800 267 6888
- Website: https://maandhan.in
Conclusion
The Pradhan Mantri Maandhan Yojana is a life-changing pension scheme for crores of unorganized workers in India. By contributing a small amount every month, workers secure a dignified and financially stable old age. With government’s equal contribution and guaranteed pension benefits, this scheme is an excellent step toward building a strong social security net for the working poor.
