Pension Sakhis: Strengthening Rural Pension Inclusion

On 15th September 2026, the Department of Rural Development and Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a community-based outreach network of ‘Pension Sakhis’ across rural India.

What are Pension Sakhis?

Community-based Network: These are community-based network of trusted facilitators promoting pension awareness and retirement planning among rural households, especially Self-Help Group (SHG) members, rural women and Lakhpati Didis.
Leveraging Community Network: Leverages the institutional network of the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana–National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), including Banking Correspondent (BC) Sakhis and community resource persons.
Doorstep Support: Facilitates pension enrolment and helps beneficiaries understand pension and retirement-planning services.

Why are Pension Sakhis Needed?

Beyond Banking Access: Increasing access to formal banking services does not necessarily ensure adequate retirement planning and pension coverage in rural households.
Income Vulnerability: Households dependent on agriculture, informal employment and small enterprises often face irregular incomes and exposure to economic shocks.

Socio-Economic Impact

Promotes long-term savings and retirement preparedness, reducing vulnerability to income shocks.
Supports a more secure and resilient rural population by integrating pension planning into the broader financial inclusion agenda.