The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), in collaboration with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), organised an interactive “Retire Smart India – NPS Zaruri Hai 2.0” NPS Awareness Programme at Ramada by Wyndham Gangtok Hotel, Sikkim, aimed at strengthening awareness about retirement planning and encouraging wider participation in the pension ecosystem among individuals, entrepreneurs, MSMEs and other stakeholders in the State.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Shri Ishantor Sobhapandit, Regional Director – NER, Indian Chamber of Commerce, who highlighted the importance of building greater awareness around long-term financial planning and retirement preparedness among the business and stakeholder community.

The Keynote Address was delivered by Shri Ruby Vinayak Bhaosagar, Assistant General Manager, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). In his address, Shri Bhaosagar discussed the evolving pension landscape in India and the growing significance of the National Pension System (NPS) as a flexible, digital and market-linked retirement planning solution.

Highlighting the growing scale of India’s pension ecosystem, Shri Bhaosagar noted that NPS has emerged as a significant component of the country’s pension architecture, with more than 9.93 crore subscribers and Assets Under Management (AUM) exceeding ₹17.26 lakh crore as on August 30, 2026. He emphasised that the increasing participation in NPS reflects the growing importance of systematic and long-term retirement planning.

Shri Bhaosagar also highlighted a number of reforms and initiatives undertaken to make the pension system more accessible and convenient for citizens. These include the enhancement of the maximum entry age to 85 years, simplified withdrawal provisions and greater use of digital processes, which have further strengthened the accessibility and flexibility of the pension framework.

He further emphasised the importance of expanding pension coverage among diverse sections of society, including MSMEs, entrepreneurs, women, gig workers, farmers and corporates. The discussion was particularly relevant to Sikkim’s growing MSME and entrepreneurial ecosystem, where greater awareness of structured retirement planning can contribute to enhanced long-term financial security.

The programme also featured an address by Smt. Bimla Chettri, Assistant Director, MSME Division, Commerce & Industries Department, Government of Sikkim, who highlighted the importance of pension awareness among the MSME sector and entrepreneurs and the relevance of financial preparedness for sustainable economic participation.

Shri Tempo Bhutia, Deputy Director, PGIPF, Department of Finance, Government of Sikkim, also addressed the participants and shared perspectives on pension awareness and the importance of strengthening financial security and retirement preparedness among citizens.

A detailed presentation on NPS as a Retirement Benefit Scheme was delivered by Shri Nishant Anand, Manager, PFRDA, covering the key features and benefits of NPS and its relevance for individuals and corporates. The session provided participants with greater clarity on NPS as a structured avenue for long-term retirement planning.

The programme further included a dedicated session on Tax Benefits under NPS, delivered by Shri Yash Marda, Chartered Accountant, Gangtok, Sikkim. The session covered important tax-related aspects of NPS and highlighted the relevance of integrating retirement planning with broader financial and tax planning.

An interactive Question-and-Answer and Open House session was subsequently conducted with the speakers, providing participants with an opportunity to seek clarifications on NPS, retirement planning, tax benefits, withdrawal provisions and other aspects of pension participation.

The programme concluded with closing remarks and a vote of thanks by Shri Rajeev Mishra, General Secretary, Sikkim Chamber of Commerce, Sikkim, who acknowledged the collaborative efforts of ICC and PFRDA in promoting greater pension awareness among the business and stakeholder community of Sikkim.

The programme forms part of PFRDA’s wider outreach and awareness initiatives aimed at promoting greater awareness about retirement planning and encouraging wider participation in India’s pension ecosystem. Such initiatives are aligned with the vision of creating a “Pensioned Society by 2047”, wherein citizens have access to appropriate pension solutions and enhanced financial security during old age, contributing to the broader national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.

About PFRDA

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is a statutory regulatory organisation established by the Government of India with the mandate of regulating, promoting and developing the pension sector in India. PFRDA works towards the orderly growth and development of the pension sector and promoting greater awareness and participation in pension schemes across the country.

*********

MPS/SK

(Release ID: 2320152) Visitor Counter : 8