To secure the financial future of children, the government has issued new guidelines for NPS Vatsalya Scheme, which came out in the circular of PFRDA dated January 7, 2026. Under this scheme announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, parents and guardians can open pension accounts in the name of their minor children, so that retirement planning can start from an early age. It has the facility of investment with minimum annual contribution. Asset allocation is flexible, allowing up to 75% investment in equities, as well as options in government securities and corporate bonds. Limited partial withdrawal is possible for educational or medical needs. At the age of 18 years, the account can be converted into regular NPS or exit can be taken. Experts consider it a strong way of long-term disciplined savings.

The government has made an important change in Atal Pension Yojana (APY) which has come into effect from October 1, 2025. Now only the new registration form will be valid for this pension scheme. The old form has been discontinued after 30 September 2025. Three main changes have been made in the new form. First, now FATCA/CRS Declaration has been made mandatory, so that it can be ensured that the applicant is not a foreign citizen or tax resident. The second change is that only Indian residents will be able to open accounts through Post Office, because these accounts are linked to Postal Savings Account. Third, the new form has been designed according to Protean (NSDL), so that the registration process can be more smooth and transparent. Atal Pension Yojana has been specially designed for the workers in the unorganized sector. In this, after the age of 60 years, a guaranteed pension of ₹ 1000 to ₹ 5000 is available. You can contribute monthly, quarterly or half-yearly. Note that if you are a taxpayer, you cannot join this scheme.

Pension scheme: After retirement, one has to depend on either savings or pension for passage. In such a situation, there is no problem in getting pension for people or to ensure any pension related problem, the government has decided to set up an forum. The government is working on a regulatory framework for this, which will also include Grivians Redressal Mechanism for redressal of complaints. In the report of The Economic Times, it has been informed about the sources.

Many pension schemes will be included in the forum

An official familiar with the case said, a common regulatory standard is needed for all so that the complaints related to pension are immediately settled. He also informed that in this initiative of the government, various pension schemes are being included under the supervision of different agencies of the central government.

Therefore the Unified Forum is important

Another official said, pension coverage is limited in our country and new products need to be developed. Since the National Pension Scheme (NPS) is voluntary and the salary limit in the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) under EPFO ​​is Rs 15,000 per month, a large part of the employees is deprived of it.

According to the report, along with increasing coverage in this proposed forum, the existing pension schemes need to be brought under a unified body to simplify their implementation. Officials also informed that the government is also considering the possibilities of bringing a universal pension scheme for all. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in her budget speech announced the development of many more pension products as well as the formation of a forum for their better coordination.

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