Parliament Question: Social Security for Unorganised Sector Workers

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. Contd..2/-:: 2 :: 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. *****