Telegrammagazine

🏦 National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers & Self-Employed – Get ₹3,000 Monthly Pension After 60!

National Pension Scheme for Traders

🔍 What is the National Pension Scheme for Traders?

The National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers, and Self-Employed Persons (also called the Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana) is a Central Government scheme launched in September 2019 by the Ministry of Labour & Employment.

This initiative offers a minimum assured monthly pension of ₹3,000 to eligible small traders, retailers, and self-employed individuals after they turn 60. Backed by the Government of India and managed by LIC, it ensures social security and financial independence for India’s unorganized sector, supporting lakhs of traders as of 2025.

✅ Key Benefits of the Scheme

  • 💰 ₹3,000 Monthly Pension: Secure a steady income after age 60.
  • 🏛️ Government Contribution: The Central Government matches your contribution for a secure future.
  • ❤️ Family Pension: Your spouse receives 50% of the pension after your death.
  • 🧾 Low Contribution: Pay just ₹55–₹200/month based on your age at entry.
  • 🏦Hassle-Free Payments: Auto-debit from your savings or Jan Dhan account.
  • ✔️Trusted by Millions: Over 45 lakh traders enrolled, with potential expansion in 2025!

📋 Eligibility Criteria

You can enroll if you:

  • Are aged 18 to 40 years.
  • Have an annual turnover under ₹1.5 crore.
  • Are a shopkeeper, trader, or self-employed person (e.g., vegetable vendors, small grocery owners, tailors, real estate brokers, or street food stall operators).
  • Are not paying income tax.
  • Are not a member of EPFO, ESIC, NPS, or PM-SYM.
  • Have an Aadhaar Card and a bank account with IFSC code.

💰 Monthly Contribution Chart

Entry AgeMonthly ContributionGovernment Contribution
18 years₹55₹55
30 years₹100₹100
40 years₹200₹200
  • Contributions continue until the age of 60.
  • Amounts are auto-debited from your bank account.

👨‍👩‍👧 Family Pension Rules

If you pass away after age 60:

  • Your spouse receives 50% of the pension as a family pension (spouse-only benefit).

If you pass away before 60:

  • Your spouse can continue the scheme or exit and claim a refund with interest (at savings bank rate, typically 3–4% annually).

📝 How to Enroll in the Scheme

Join in two easy ways:

📍 Method 1: Visit Your Nearest CSC (Common Service Centre)

  • Submit your Aadhaar card and bank account details.
  • Pay the initial contribution in cash.
  • The CSC will register you and issue your Maandhan Pension Card.
  • For issues, call the toll-free helpline: 1800-267-6888 (24/7).

🌐 Method 2: Online Self-Enrollment

  • Visit: www.maandhan.in.
  • Choose “Self Employed or Shopkeeper Pension.”
  • Enter Aadhaar and bank details.
  • Set up auto-debit and download your pension card.

📈 Why You Should Enroll

  • ✔️ Financial support in old age: Get ₹3,000/month after 60 to live with dignity.
  • ✔️ 100% government-backed: Managed by LIC, your money is safe with India’s trusted insurer.
  • ✔️ Low investment, high reward: Start at just ₹55/month—affordable for vegetable vendors, tailors, or small shop owners.
  • ✔️ Spouse security: 50% pension ensures your partner’s future.
  • ✔️ Join lakhs of traders: Over 45 lakh enrolled as of 2025, with more signing up daily!

Ready to secure your retirement? Visit www.maandhan.in or your nearest CSC today!

📚 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. Q1: Who is eligible for this pension scheme?

    Anyone aged 18–40 years with a turnover below ₹1.5 crore, not paying income tax, and not enrolled in EPFO, ESIC, NPS, or PM-SYM. Includes shopkeepers, traders, and self-employed like vegetable vendors or tailors.

  2. Q2: What documents are needed?

    Aadhaar card and a savings/Jan Dhan account with IFSC code.

  3. Q3: How much pension will I get?

    ₹3,000 per month after turning 60.

  4. Q4: Is there a family pension?

    Yes. After your death, your spouse receives 50% of the pension amount.

  5. Q5: Can I exit the scheme early?

    Yes. If you exit before 60, your contribution is refunded with interest (at savings bank rate, ~3–4%), but the government’s share is not returned.

  6. Q6: What happens if I miss contributions?

    You can pay dues with a small penalty. Accounts are typically deactivated only after 6+ months of continuous default.

  7. Q7: Where do I enroll online?

    At the official site: www.maandhan.in.

  8. Q8: Is the pension taxable?

    Yes, the ₹3,000 monthly pension is treated as income and may be taxable based on your slab rate.

  9. Q9: Is the scheme safe?

    Absolutely. It’s fully backed by the Government of India and managed by LIC, ensuring your contributions are secure.

🔗 Related Articles

🧠 Final Thoughts

The National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self-Employed is a game-changer for India’s unorganized sector in 2025. With minimal investment, complete government support, and a secure pension managed by LIC, it’s a must-join for small traders, shopkeepers, and entrepreneurs like vegetable vendors or street food stall owners. As discussions about a Universal Pension Scheme grow, NPS-Traders remains a reliable step toward financial security.

Take action now! Enroll at www.maandhan.in or visit a CSC to secure your future and your family’s peace of mind.

Leave a Reply