UPSC Prelims 2024 Q100: Indian Economy – Human Development, Poverty & Employment Schemes
- (a) 1, 3 and 4
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 2 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 4
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only
Explanation
PM-SYM (Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan) - Statement Analysis
| Statement | Claim | Verdict | Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Entry age group is 21 to 40 years | FALSE | The entry age for PM-SYM is 18 to 40 years (not 21 to 40). Workers in the unorganised sector can enroll from age 18. |
| 2 | Age-specific contribution shall be made by the beneficiary | TRUE | Contribution varies by age at enrollment. Younger workers contribute less monthly; older enrollees contribute more. Central government makes an equal matching contribution for each subscriber. |
| 3 | Each subscriber receives minimum pension of Rs 3,000 per month after age 60 | TRUE | PM-SYM guarantees a minimum assured pension of Rs 3,000 per month after the subscriber reaches the age of 60. |
| 4 | Family pension is applicable to spouse and unmarried daughters | FALSE | PM-SYM provides family pension to the spouse only (50% of the subscriber's pension). Unmarried daughters are NOT covered under family pension. |
Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Answer: (b) 2 and 3 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Statement 1 (entry age 21-40) is false (correct range is 18-40) and Statement 4 (family pension for unmarried daughters) is also false.
- (b) CORRECT. Statements 2 (age-specific contribution with Central government matching) and 3 (Rs 3,000 minimum pension per month after age 60) are both correct.
- (c) Incorrect. Only Statement 2 alone would miss Statement 3 (Rs 3,000 guaranteed pension), which is also correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statements 1 (entry age 21-40 is wrong, should be 18-40) and 4 (family pension for unmarried daughters is wrong - spouse only) are both incorrect.
Key point
PM-SYM: Entry age = 18 to 40 (not 21). Age-specific contributions with Central government matching. Minimum pension = Rs 3,000/month after age 60. Family pension = SPOUSE ONLY (50%), not unmarried daughters.
Remember
PM-SYM entry age is 18-40 (not 21-40). Age-specific contributions are matched by Central government. Minimum pension is Rs 3,000/month after age 60. Family pension goes to spouse only - not unmarried daughters.
Common mistakes
- Thinking entry age starts at 21 - PM-SYM allows enrollment from age 18, covering younger unorganised sector workers.
- Including unmarried daughters in family pension - PM-SYM family pension is limited to the spouse only (50% of subscriber pension). Daughters are not covered.
- Forgetting the Central government matching contribution - for every rupee contributed by the subscriber, the Central government contributes an equal amount, making it a co-contribution pension scheme.
Exam tip
PM-SYM: 18-40 years, unorganised sector workers, income below Rs 15,000/month. Age-specific contribution (both subscriber + Centre contribute equal amounts). Rs 3,000/month at 60. Spouse gets 50% as family pension. Contrast with PMJJBY (life insurance) and PMSBY (accident insurance).
Sources
- Ministry of Labour and Employment - PM-SYM Scheme Guidelines
- ESIC/EPFO - Unorganised Sector Pension Schemes