Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal said that the state’s 1.80 crore workers under unorganized sector will get old age protection and social security with a minimal monthly contribution once they opt to come under the ambit of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana.
Launching the scheme for Assam at Pragjyoti ITA Centre for Performing Arts in Machkhowa here on Tuesday, Chief Minister Sonowal said that the state government is responsible for the welfare of the workers belonging to unorganized sector and for their empowerment both the Centre as well as the state have been adopting several schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Deen Dayal Upadhaya Divyangjan Sahajya Scheme, Mudra Yojana, Startup India and Make in India.
He also said Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana would entitle an individual to a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, under which the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to save the tea garden workers from the onslaught of social evils, Sonowal said that State government has asked Labour Welfare Officers of the state to carry out extensive awareness programmes in the tea garden areas so that workers can be put away from the menace of drinking sulai a local intoxicating drink and various other social evils.
He also said that in recognition to the service rendered by Labour Welfare Officers in generating awareness, state government would give award to the best Labour Welfare Officer. Chief Minister Sonowal also called upon the people of the state to take the benefits of different programmes launched by the Central and state governments.
Chief Minister Sonowal also handed over identity cards to the beneficiaries on the occasion.
It may be noted that under Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana, a worker belonging to unorganized sector can opt for the pension scheme within the age group of 18 to 40 years of age with a monthly income of Rs. 15000 or below.
Once the beneficiary joins the scheme at the entry age of 18-40 years, the beneficiary has to contribute till 60 years of age.
On attaining the age of 60 years, the subscriber will receive by DBT the assured monthly pension of Rs. 3000 with benefit of family pension, as the case may be.
If the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50 per cent of the pension as family pension. Family pension is applicable only to spouse.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi centrally launched Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan Yojana at Gujarat on Tuesday.
Minister of State (i/c) Pallab Lochan Das, Additional Chief Secretary Labour Department Jishnu Baruah, Commissioner, Labour Narayan Konwar and a host of other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.