In order to provide old age protection to unorganised sector workers, the Government of India had launched a pension scheme in 2019 namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana (PM-SYM) to provide a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/- after attaining the age of 60 years to unorganized workers. The workers including landless agricultural labourers can register for this scheme free of cost either through self-registration through maandhan.in portal or by visiting any Common Service Centre (CSC). There are more than 5 lakh CSCs. This is a voluntary and co-contributory pension scheme. The workers in the age group of 18-40 years whose monthly income is Rs. 15000/- or less and not a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS (Govt. Funded) can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% of monthly contribution varies between Rs. 55/- to Rs. 200/- depending upon the entry age is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. The Life Insurance Corporation of India is the fund manager of the scheme.

As per Periodic Labour Force Survey 2020-21 report a total of 46.5 % persons are engaged in agricultural activity.

As the Central Government and the State Governments are appropriate Government under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, to fix, review and revise the minimum wages of the employees employed in the scheduled employments including agriculture, in their respective jurisdiction, the rates of minimum wages vary from one appropriate Government to another.

This information was given by Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shri. Rameshwar Teli in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.

***

MJPS/NSK