Women now account for 53.1% of subscribers in the PM-SYM pension scheme, reflecting increased financial security for unorganized sector workers. The government has contributed over ₹2,011 crore in matching funds for the program.
The Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM) scheme has seen a notable shift in demographics, with women now outnumbering men in total enrollments. As of July 29, 2026, the voluntary pension program for unorganized sector workers has reached a total subscriber base of more than 54 lakh individuals. Out of this total, women account for 28.67 lakh participants, or 53.1% of the enrollments.
Government Support and Pension Structure
The PM-SYM scheme is designed to provide a monthly pension of ₹3,000 to workers in the unorganized sector once they reach the age of 60. To support this objective, the central government provides a matching contribution equal to the amount paid by the beneficiary. According to data shared by the Union Minister of State for Labour & Employment, Shobha Karandlaje, in the Lok Sabha, the government has already committed ₹2,011.01 crore toward these matching contributions.
The scheme operates on a contribution model where individuals aged 18 to 40 with a monthly income of ₹15,000 or less make monthly payments ranging from ₹55 to ₹200. The specific contribution amount is determined by the participant's age at the time of entry. Since the program was launched in February 2019, the structure is designed for long-term savings, with the first pension payments scheduled to begin in February 2039.
Eligibility and Operational Scope
Participation in the scheme is voluntary but carries specific eligibility requirements. To qualify, workers must not be covered under other major social security frameworks such as the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), or the National Pension System (NPS). Additionally, income tax assessees are not eligible to join.
To improve engagement and ensure that accounts remain active, the government has introduced several operational changes. The revival period for accounts that have become dormant has been extended from one year to three years. Furthermore, the government continues to use the eShram portal, which has registered over 31.82 crore unorganized workers, as a primary tool to integrate social security services and increase accessibility for potential beneficiaries. Efforts to promote the scheme also involve periodic reviews with state governments and incentivizing Common Service Centres (CSCs) to boost registration numbers.