S Ramann, chairman Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) (File photo)
In an attempt to modernize India’s pension framework and to increase the reach of the pension fund, the Regulatory and Development Authority of the Pension Fund (PFRDA) is considering allowing exposure to raw materials such as gold and silver, while at the same time focusing on coverage for performances, farmers’ manufacturers) and self-help groops).
“We have been very conservative with regard to investment guidelines. We now have a request from pension funds – including other regulators – to allow raw materials within the fold of these investment guidelines,” said Ramann, chairman Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), on Wednesday.
The regulator carefully weighs the inclusion of gold and silver in portfolios of pension funds, with internal committees already evaluating the proposal. “It will be the PFRDA board that can finally take on a phone call,” said the officer while speaking at the Global Fintech Fest 2025 on the subject of ‘Pension for each Indian – the next 300 million’.
Despite the switch to diversification of assets, the supervisor repeated that pension funds are not allowed to imitate investment funds. “Pension funds are not intrinsically to be able to get your money out. We are working on the liquidity aspect … But we certainly do not want random withdrawal of funds,” said the officer, the long -term character of pension savings emphasized.
Outreach -initiatives
In an important outreach initiative, the PFRDA encourages pension funds to bring digital platform workers – such as those affiliated with Uber, Urban Company and other gigplatforms – under the pension network. “We have a great idea of ​​one of the funds who say they will focus on platform workers … These are informal employees, not employees, and nobody has looked at their larger savings interests. We will be happy that pension funds help this ahead,” said Ramann.
Parallel efforts are underway in the agricultural sector, where PFRDA wants to expand access to pension extension through farmers’ manufacturer organizations, each consisting of 300-500 members. The regulator also regards self -help groups (SHGs) as a potential channel for wider inclusion of pension. The official framed in a global context, warned the civil servant: “No government in the world can manage if we have people at the age of 60-65 looking for the government for a lot … It is a greater problem of economic development and the tax resources of the government.”
Published on October 8, 2025
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