A huge boon to poor unorganised workers

Vikarabad: The central government’s Pradhan Mantri Shram Mandhan Pension Yojana has come as a ray of hope for a large number of people employed in unorganised sector in the district. As per some estimations, approximately three-and-a-half lakh employees are working in the unorganised sector. Labour in agriculture and construction industries, workers, temporary and outsourcing employees are going to be benefited through this scheme. 

They struggle a lot when they face health issues, and also they have no job security. From now on, they will get relief from the central scheme. 
While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20 in Parliament on February 1, the Union Minister forFinance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal, Piyush Goyal, said that half of India’s GDP comes from the sweat and toil of 42 crore workers in the unorganised sector working as street vendors, rickshaw pullers, construction workers, rag pickers, agricultural workers, beedi workers, handloom, leather and in numerous other similar occupations. 

The Government must provide them comprehensive social security coverage for their old age. Therefore, in addition to the health coverage provided under ‘Ayushman Bharat’ and life & disability coverage provided under ‘Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana’ and ‘Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana,’ the Government launched the ‘Pradhan Mantri Shram-Yogi Maandhan' for the unorganised sector workers with monthly income up to Rs 15,000.

Employees of unorganised sector between the age group of 18-40 years are eligible for the scheme. There are different premiums to be paid by the beneficiaries. After 60 years of their age, they will get a monthly pension of Rs 3,000. If any beneficiary dies, his kin will get Rs 1,500 pension monthly.

Those who have no financial and employment security like house maids, petty vendors, domestic servants etc., can become beneficiaries of the scheme. Those who have facilities like EPF and taxpayers are not eligible for the scheme.To help eligible candidates, a help desk will be set up at the collectorate. Staff at these centres will answer all kinds of queries. 

The eligible can apply through nearby common service centres of Mee-Seva counters by submitting Aadhaar card and bank passbook along with a declaration form. First month premium should be paid at Mee-Seva centres and from second month, premium will be deducted from the bank accounts of the beneficiaries.The district administration is making arrangements to spread information about the scheme to each and every corner. Officials are planning to involve all departments to create awareness about the scheme.