DoRD and PFRDA Sign MoU to Expand Rural Pension Coverage Through Pension Sakhis
The Department of Rural Development (DoRD) and the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on September 15, 2026, to expand pension coverage and strengthen social security among rural households through a dedicated cadre of 'Pension Sakhis'. This partnership will leverage the community institutional network of Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission, including Banking Correspondent (BC) Sakhis and other trained community resource persons, to provide doorstep awareness, enrolment, and pension-related support in remote areas.
The initiative specifically targets Self Help Group (SHG) members, rural women, Lakhpati Didis, and other underserved groups. Digital dashboards, mobile- and web-based solutions, and unique identifier-based tracking through Central Recordkeeping Agencies will support monitoring of outreach, enrolment, and performance metrics.
Secretary Rohit Kansal emphasized that SHG members have distinct savings patterns, livelihood cycles, and risk profiles, noting that social security is an integral pillar of inclusive growth to help households manage vulnerabilities and build resilience. PFRDA Whole Time Member Mamta Shankar highlighted the need for retirement planning amid rising life expectancy and changing demographic trends, expressing hope that the collaboration would promote adoption of pension products including the National Pension System (NPS) among rural households with limited access to formal retirement mechanisms.
Both organizations expressed confidence that the partnership would strengthen pension literacy, deepen financial inclusion, and enhance social protection for rural communities, contributing significantly to building a more inclusive and resilient social security ecosystem across the country.