The Labour Department has announced a five-day spot registration camp in Sri Vijaya Puram for enrolling eligible unorganised workers, small traders and self-employed persons under the PM-SYM and NPS-Traders pension schemes.
The camp will be organised at the Workers Facilitation Centre, Dairy Farm, from February 22 to February 26, 2026, as part of a nationwide special registration campaign proposed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The initiative is being implemented in a phased manner across the country to expand coverage of social security schemes among informal sector workers.
According to the department, the registration camp will function daily between 10 am and 4 pm, allowing eligible individuals to complete online enrolment and access scheme benefits at a single location. Officials said the initiative is aimed at simplifying the registration process and increasing awareness among target beneficiaries.
The PM-SYM scheme is designed for unorganised workers with a monthly income of up to ₹15,000, within the age group of 18 to 40 years, who are not covered under EPFO, ESIC or NPS and are not income tax payers. The NPS-Traders scheme is applicable to small traders and shopkeepers within the same age bracket, with an annual turnover of up to ₹1.5 crore and who are not income tax payers.
Both schemes operate as voluntary and contributory pension programmes, providing a minimum assured pension of ₹3,000 per month after the subscriber attains the age of 60 years. In the event of the subscriber’s death, 50 percent of the pension amount is payable as family pension to the spouse. The Central Government contributes an equal matching amount towards the subscriber’s contribution.
Labour Department officials said the special registration drive is intended to reach workers who often remain outside formal social security frameworks despite forming a significant portion of the workforce. Small shopkeepers, street vendors, self-employed workers and those engaged in informal occupations are among the primary target groups.
Those unable to attend the camp during the specified dates have been advised to approach their nearest Common Service Centre for enrolment under the schemes. The department said CSCs will continue to facilitate registration beyond the camp period to ensure wider coverage.
Officials added that help desks at the camp venue will provide assistance on eligibility criteria, documentation requirements and online submission. Contact details have also been shared for individuals seeking clarification or registration support.
The registration drive is part of broader efforts to strengthen social security for unorganised sector workers in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where a significant segment of the workforce is engaged in informal employment. The department said expanding pension coverage is a key step towards long-term financial security for workers in these sectors.
The Labour Department has urged eligible individuals to utilise the camp and complete enrolment within the specified timeframe, noting that early registration ensures timely access to benefits under the schemes.
