The government has launched a pension program intended for small traders and self-employed individuals. This initiative expands the National Pension System (NPS) to provide financial stability to the self-employed, who are concerned about economic security in old age. The Ministry of Labour and Employment of the central government strongly urges traders and shop owners to register immediately under this program.
The main advantage of this state pension scheme is that upon reaching the age of 60, the recipient is guaranteed a minimum monthly pension of 3000 rupees, which amounts to 36,000 rupees per year.
This pension program, designed for traders and shop owners, aims to provide financial protection to those who do not fall under official pension systems, such as EPFO. A characteristic feature of this scheme is that the state contributes an amount equivalent to the sum invested by the trader themselves.
Depending on their age, participants need to make a monthly contribution of only 55 to 200 rupees, with a guaranteed income provided. Once the age of 60 is reached, the participant begins to receive a guaranteed lifelong pension of 3000 rupees monthly.
Applications can be submitted by visiting the nearest public service center, providing passport and bank account details. Furthermore, self-registration is also available through the program's official online portal. According to government data, as of November 26, 2025, 60,538 traders and self-employed individuals have been registered under the National Pension System.
Experts consider this step extremely important for including informal sector workers and small traders in the pension provision sphere. Specialists also advise participants to consider increasing their future contributions within this program.