Srinagar, Mar 26 (KNO): The Centre has said that 96,476 workers from Jammu and Kashmir have been enrolled under the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM) scheme aimed at providing old-age pension to unorganised sector workers.
Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Shobha Karandlaje, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that the scheme, launched in 2019, offers a minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000 per month to beneficiaries after attaining the age of 60 years.
The minister said that the scheme is voluntary and contributory in nature, wherein eligible workers aged between 18 and 40 years with a monthly income of up to Rs 15,000 can enrol by contributing between Rs 55 and Rs 200 per month, with an equal matching contribution from the Central Government.
As per official data, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 96,476 registrations under the scheme so far, reflecting participation from the unorganised workforce in the Union Territory.
The government said that enrolment is being facilitated through Common Service Centres (CSCs) and online platforms, while several measures have been taken to expand coverage, including awareness campaigns in local languages and integration with the e-Shram portal.
It added that a nationwide special registration drive has also been conducted in two phases, with the rural phase currently underway till March 31, 2026, to boost enrolment among unorganised workers, including those in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre reiterated that continuous efforts are being made in coordination with UT administrations to widen the social security net and ensure pension coverage to eligible workers—(KNO)