All about the New Pension Scheme

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From May 1, Indians have access to another investment avenue to plan for retirement in the New Pension Scheme (NPS).



The scheme has been in the pipeline for at least five years but it finally took shape in 2007-08. Although the government was pushing for the scheme after a law providing statutory backing to the regulator was enacted, the Left parties, which were supporting the United Progressive Alliance government, did not allow the passage of the Bill.



So, last year, the government decided to go ahead by allowing the NPS Trust to enter management agreements with fund managers. What benefits does the NPS offer? Who is eligible? Business Standard provides a ready-reckoner.

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Any Indian citizen between 18 and 55 years. At present, only tier-I of the scheme, involving a contribution to a non-withdrawable account, is open.
Subsequently tier-II accounts, which permit voluntary savings that can be withdrawn at any point of time, can be opened. But to be eligible to open a tier-II account, you need a tier-I account.

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How do I enrol?


You will need to visit a point of presence (PoP), fill up the prescribed form with the required documents.



Once you are registered, the Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA) will send you a Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN), along with telephone and internet passwords.

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How much can I invest?


There is no investment ceiling. But the minimum investment limit has been fixed at Rs 500 a month or Rs 6,000 annually. Subscribers are required to contribute at least once a quarter but there is no ceiling on how many times you invest during the year.



What is the penalty for failure to make the minimum payment?


You will have to bear a penalty of Rs 100 per year of default and will need to pay it with the minimum amount to reactivate the account. Also, dormant accounts will be closed when the account value falls to zero.

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WHO'S WHO

REGULATOR: Pension Fund Regulatory & Development Authority

NPS TRUST: A trust, set up under the Indian Trusts Act, that is responsible for taking care of the funds under the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and protect subscriber interests

POINTS OF PRESENCE(PoPs): It is the first point of interaction. The 22 registered PoPs have authorised branches to act as collection points and extend services to customers

CENTRAL RECORDKEEPING AGENCY (CRA): The back office for maintaining records, administration and customer service functions. National Securities Depository Ltd has been designated the CRA

PENSION FUND MANAGERS: At present, there are six fund managers

TRUSTEE BANK: Bank of India is the designated agency to facilitate fund transfers across various entities such as subscribers, the fund managers and the annuity service providers