Budget 2019: Rs 3,000 pension for workers in unorganised sector, says Piyush Goyal

NEW DELHI: In his first Budget speech, finance minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said that the government will provide assured monthly

pension

for workers in unorganised sector for senior citizens (above 60 years). "Mega Pension Yojana, namely Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Mandhan, to provide assured monthly pension of Rs 3,000 per month, with contribution of Rs 100 per month, for workers in unorganised sector after 60 years of age," Goyal said.


The minister said that the move "will benefit benefit 10 crore workers" and "may become the world's biggest

pension scheme

in five years."




Presenting the budget for 2019-20 in the Lok Sabha, Goyal further stated that, "We plan to provide urban facilities in rural areas while preserving 'soul of village'."

He further said the government has worked to bridge the urban-rural divide and "the poor have the first right over nation's resources".

Highlighting the achivements of the government, mentioning the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission, Goyal said India has achieved over 98 per cent rural sanitation coverage and about 5.4 lakh villages have been made open defecation-free.