Shillong/NONGPOH/AMPATI: Along with the rest of the country, the ‘Pension Week’ was launched on Saturday in the city by DP Wahlang, Principal Secretary to the Government of Meghalaya, Labour Department.
The programme, which was organised by the Labour Department and Office of the Deputy Commissioner, EKH District, was attended by R Rapthap; Secretary Labour Department M War Nongbri; Deputy Commissioner, EKH, B Mawlong; Labour Commissioner; BDOs; senior government officials; members of the unorganised sector, among others.
In his inaugural speech, Wahlang informed that the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan — a government scheme meant for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers (UW) while National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed Persons — were launched by the Union Government for the benefit of workers of various unorganised sectors and for traders respectively.
Stating that these pension schemes are voluntary and contributory in nature in which the government will also make a matching contribution, Wahlang informed that unorganised workers, traders and self-employed persons in the age group 18-40 years are eligible to join the scheme with monthly contribution ranging from Rs 55 to Rs 200, depending on the age during the time of enrollment till they reach 60 years.
Wahlang said that under the schemes, the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000 per month after attaining the age of 60 years, adding that if the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary will be entitled to receive family pension.
He urged all workers of unorganised sectors and traders to avail the schemes and appealed to them to visit their nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) or their Block Offices for enrolment.
Meanwhile in Nongpoh, the District Administration of Ri Bhoi District also observed the week by taking part in the nationwide launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) and the National Pension Scheme-traders (NPS) by Minister of Labour & Employment, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, through a live webcast at the premises of the Deputy Commissioner’s office, Nongpoh on Saturday.
The programme was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner DP Kharsati, officials and staff of Labour Department, Ri Bhoi District, including unorganised workers, shopkeepers, traders, domestic workers, self-employed people, etc.
Labour Inspector L Nongrum and District Manager Common Service Centre B Sumer briefed on the importance of the PM-SYM and the NPS.
He said the eligible beneficiaries, who would enroll themselves under the scheme, should not be an income tax payer or a member of EPFO/ESIC/NPS(Govt)/PM-SYM.
In Ampati, as part of the celebration of National Pension Week 2019 and mega launch of Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan Yojana (PM-SYMY) and Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Mandhan Yojana (PM-LVMY), the District-Level Implementation Committee, SWGH, organised an awareness programme on the twin flagship schemes at Ampati Bazar on Saturday.
The programme, which witnessed a huge gathering hailing from diverse backgrounds and social strata, was attended by EAC, Ampati, DD Sangma; Asstt. Labour Commissioner, Ampati, LB Sangma; District Manager of CSCs, SWGH, B Sunn; Labour Inspectors CB Sangma and D Hajong who addressed the gathering highlighting about the objectives of the twin pension schemes.
Speaking on the occasion, EAC, Ampati, DD Sangma emphasised on the importance of saving and judicious use of one’s income and called upon the general public to avail the opportunity that is being given to them through such schemes like PM-SYMY and PM-LVMY for brighter prospect of their lives.
During the programme, helpdesks of Common Service Centres (CSCs) were also set up for redressal of doubts and for facilitating the beneficiaries to register themselves under the two flagship pension schemes.
