Pradhan Mantri Laghu Vyapari Maan-dhan Yojana or National Pension Scheme for Traders and Self Employed Persons Yojana (NPS Traders) is a government scheme meant for old age protection and social security of Small Scale Traders and Retailers. Traders, who are self-employed and are working as shop owners, retail traders, rice mill owners, oil mill owners, workshop owners, commission agents, brokers of real estate, owners of small hotels, restaurants and other Vyaparis with similar occupations whose annual turnover does not exceed Rs 1.5 crore are eligible to get benefit under the scheme.

It is a voluntary and contributory pension scheme under which the subscriber would receive a minimum assured pension of Rs 3000/- per month after attaining the age of 60 years and if the subscriber dies, the spouse of the beneficiary shall be entitled to receive 50% of the pension as family pension. Family pension is applicable only to spouse.

On the maturity of the scheme, an individual will be entitled to obtain a monthly pension of Rs. 3000/-. The pension amount helps pension holders to aid their financial requirements. The scheme is a tribute to the workers in the unorganized sectors who contribute around 50 per cent of the nation's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

The applicants between the age group of 18 to 40 years will have to make monthly contributions ranging between Rs 55 to Rs 200 per month till they attain the age of 60. Once the applicant attains the age of 60, he/ she can claim the pension amount. Every month a fixed pension amount gets deposited in the pension account of the respective individual.

The scheme was launched in July, 2019. CSC SPV has been chosen as the Enrolment Agency for enrolment of the merchants under this Scheme.

VLE charges: Rs. 30 from the beneficiary for enrolment in the scheme.

Eligibility:

• Self-employed shop owners, retail owners and other traders
• Entry age between 18-40 years
• Annual turnover should not exceed Rs 1.5 crore