While inaugurating the pension scheme for workers of unorganised sector, Governor Ram Naik said that Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Man Dhan (PMSYM) scheme was a gift for the people who slogged their whole lives but saved nothing for old age..
“This scheme will transform the lives of people who work in the unorganised sector and do not get the benefit of pension or other retirement benefits. After 60 years a person depends on others for basic necessities. The PMSYM scheme is an attempt to restore the pride of the person,” Naik said while launching the scheme in Lucknow.
The scheme was launched across country on Tuesday by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. In Gorakhpur, the scheme was launched by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.
As per government records, there are around 5 crore people working in the unorganised sector of which there are 3.5 crore people between the age group of 18 and 40 years who are working in this sector. People who have income less than Rs 15,000 per month are entitled for the benefit of this scheme.
He said that the scheme would assure a monthly pension of Rs 3,000 for the enrolled unorganised sector workers during their old age. It is for the first time since independence that such a scheme is envisaged for crores of workers engaged in the informal sector.
Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya said that the scheme was set to restore the pride of the people of the unorganised sector. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been taking steps for the welfare of the people, particularly farmers and labourers,” he said.
Maurya said that Uttar Pradesh was the first state of the country which had implemented all schemes of the Union government in letter and spirit because they were aimed at benefiting the last man. This was the vision of Deen Dayal Upadhaya which is being implemented for the benefit of the poor, he added.
Assuring that there would not be any hassles with the enrollment process, Maurya told the gathering that only a form needed to be filled with Aadhaar number and bank details. The cost incurred by the Common Service Centre for enrolling a beneficiary will be borne by the Union Government. “This is the miracle of Digital India,” he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister said that various schemes initiated by the Union government like Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana, PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Saubhagya Yojana, and Swachh Bharat specifically targeted those working in the unorganised sector.
Labour Minister Swamy Prasad Maurya also spoke on this occasion.
Governor also gave cards to 10 registered labourer on this occasion.