New Delhi, September 15 (H.S.): The Department of Rural Development and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to take information on pensions and retirement security to rural households. Under the agreement, a nationwide ‘Pension Sakhi’ network will be developed.

According to the Ministry of Rural Development, the MoU was signed by Joint Secretary Amit Shukla and PFRDA Executive Director Sumeet Kaur Kapoor in the presence of Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal. Under the initiative, pension-related information will be taken to villages across the country with the support of self-help groups (SHGs) under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), Banking Correspondent Sakhis and other trained community workers.

The ministry said Pension Sakhis will work to educate rural women, members of self-help groups, Lakhpati Didis and other rural households about pension schemes, retirement planning, the enrolment process and related services.

Speaking on the occasion, Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal said social security was not merely a means of protection against risks but also gave families the confidence to move forward economically. He said rural citizens should have access to clear and transparent information so that they could make informed decisions regarding their long-term financial security.

Mamta Shankar, representing PFRDA, said the importance of retirement planning had increased in view of rising life expectancy and the changing demographic landscape. She expressed hope that the initiative would enhance awareness in rural areas about various pension products, including the National Pension System (NPS).

According to the ministry, the programme will be monitored through digital dashboards and mobile- and web-based systems. The Rural Development Department’s ‘LokOS’ platform will also be utilised for the purpose.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar