Lok Sabha Question No. 2687 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-09
Subject: Social Security for Unorganised Sector Workers
Ministry: LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Asked by: Shri Ummeda Ram Beniwal

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2687 TO BE ANSWERED ON 09.03.2026

## SOCIAL SECURITY FOR UNORGANISED SECTOR WORKERS

## 2687. SHRI UMMEDA RAM BENIWAL:

Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:

- (a)whether  the unorganised  sector  workers  residing  in desert districts  of  the  country  are  covered  under  the  various  social security schemes of the Government;
- (b)if  so,  the  number  of  such  workers  registered  in  the  Barmer -Jaisalmer region under such schemes;
- (c)the  details  of  the  nature  of  social  security  benefits  provided, including insurance, pension and health-related coverage; and
- (d)the details of the steps taken/being taken by the Government to enhance  awareness,  simplify  registration  and  improve  overall coverage  among  unorganised  sector  workers  in  the  said  desert areas?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SUSHRI SHOBHA KARANDLAJE)

(a) to (d): The  Pradhan  Mantri  Shram  Yogi  Maan-dhan  (PM-SYM) scheme was launched in February, 2019 in order to provide old age protection to the workers of unorganised sector. This is a voluntary and  contributory  pension  scheme.  Under  the  scheme,  a  monthly assured pension of Rs. 3000/- is provided to the unorganised workers after attaining the age of 60 years. The workers in the age group of 18 to 40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000/- or less and who are not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt. funded) are eligible to join the scheme. The monthly contribution amount ranges from Rs. 55/- to Rs. 200/-, depending on the entry age of the beneficiary. Under the scheme, 50% monthly contribution is payable by the beneficiary and an equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Enrolment  in  the  Scheme  is  done  through  the  Common  Service Centres,  and  their  network  of  about  4  lakh  Centres  across  the country. Eligible unorganised workers can also self-enrol by visiting the portal www.maandhan.in.

The  PM-SYM  scheme  is  being  implemented  across  the nation covering all the States/UTs including the desert districts of the country.

The total number of unorganised workers registered under PM-SYM scheme in Rajasthan is 1,52,191. Further, the registration in this scheme from Barmer and Jaisalmer districts are 5,028 and 4,133

respectively as on 04.03.2026.

The steps taken by the Government to enhance awareness, simplify registration and improve overall coverage among unorganised sector workers are as follows:

- (i) Holding periodic review meeting with States/ UTs.
- (ii) Common Services Centres (CSCs) are given an incentive on every eligible person enrolled in PM-SYM.
- (iii) Launch of new features: Voluntary EXIT, Revival Module, Claim Status, and Account Statement.
- (iv) Extension of revival of dormant accounts from 1 year to 3 years.
- (v) Two-way integration of PM-SYM and eShram.
- (vi) SMS campaign to create awareness.
- (vii)  Addressing  Chief  Secretaries  of  States  regarding  enrolment under PM-SYM scheme.

(viii) organising a nationwide special registration drive for enrolment of unorganised workers under PM-SYM scheme as:

Phase I: Urban Areas from15th January 2026 -15th February 2026 already completed.

Phase II: Rural Areas from 16th February 2026 -15th March 2026.

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