PFRDA Launches NPS E-Shramik Model for Platform Service Partners
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced the “NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model” to extend the National Pension System (NPS) to gig and platform workers. Recognizing that Service Partners (like those working with Zomato, Swiggy, Ola, Uber, etc.) often lack formal retirement planning, this initiative leverages the ecosystem of Platform Aggregators (digital intermediaries) to facilitate NPS enrollment. The model operates similarly to the Corporate NPS model, allowing contributions to be made jointly (by the Aggregator and the Partner), by the Partner only, or by the Aggregator only, with no fixed minimum or maximum thresholds. Points of Presence (PoPs) will actively onboard the partners, using a quick, two-phase process for PRAN generation based on Aadhaar eKYC, but they will be fully responsible for all regulatory compliance. Critically, to encourage adoption, PFRDA is offering an incentive of up to ₹100 per new, active account to PoPs until March 31, 2026, and prohibits PoPs from charging an upfront onboarding fee to the Partners. The scheme allows for portability between Aggregators and adheres to the existing exit and withdrawal rules of the All Citizen Model.
Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority
Circular No: PFRDA/2025/19/PDES/02 Date : 29th October 2025
To
All Stakeholders under NPS
Subject: Inclusion of Platform Service Partner under the National Pension System (NPS) – “NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model”
The platform economy in India has seen exponential growth in recent years, driven by digital platforms offering flexible, task-based employment opportunities. Service Partners in this segment, however, often remain outside the traditional social security framework, including retirement planning.
Recognizing this requirement, PFRDA has extended National Pension System (NPS) to platform Service Partners by leveraging the ecosystem of aggregators such as Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Ola, Uber, Urban Company, etc. which act as digital intermediaries for facilitating service delivery.
This initiative aligns with the Government’s broader vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047”, ensuring universal pension coverage and a fully pensioned society.
2. Definitions
i. “Platform Aggregator” for the purposes of this circular means an online marketplace or a digital platform that facilitates any buyer or user of a service to connect with Platform Service Partners for availing any services offered therein.
ii. “Platform Service Partner” means an individual, including gig worker, engaged for consideration, with a Platform Aggregator under a contract for service for provision of services to users of such platform.
3. NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model
The NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model is being introduced for the informal sector under Section 12(1)(a) and Section 20 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013.
3.1 Platform Aggregator–PoP Relationship
i. PoPs shall actively engage with Platform Aggregator(s) to onboard Platform Service Partners, and to enter into a legal arrangement for that purpose.
ii. There shall not be any requirement for a Platform Aggregator to seek registration with the Authority. Thereby, there shall not be any regulatory compliance burden on them.
(iii) PoPs shall however be fully responsible for regulatory compliance under the PFRDA Act, 2013, PFRDA (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and related circulars or guidelines and directions, for the Platform Service Partners on-boarded through Platform Aggregator.
3.2 System Integration
- Platform Aggregators shall be assigned a Corporate Code named as “Platform Aggregator Code” under the CRA system with minimum details.
- PoPs shall digitally integrate their platforms with the Platform Aggregator’s system for seamlessly on-boarding Platform Service Partners.
- The Pension Fund(s) may also file a scheme under this framework for Platform Service Partners listing out full details of such pension scheme such as applicable investment options, portability, target segment, vesting period, etc., and submit the same for approval of the Authority. Such pension scheme shall be named “ NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Pension scheme” to be uniform across all the Pension fund and may prefix the Pension Fund name. This framework shall adhere to the Multiple Scheme Framework (MSF) guidelines issued by the Authority.
3.3 Contribution Model
(i) Contribution model shall be the similar to the Corporate model under NPS, i.e. These Contributions can be:
-
- Either Jointly (Platform Aggregator + Platform Service Partners)
- Or Platform Service Partners-only
- Or Platform Aggregator-only
(ii) No minimum or maximum contribution thresholds shall be applicable, in line with the existing Corporate Model. To ensure effective contributions, the Platform Aggregator/Platform Service Partners are free to fix a minimum contribution for each instance of credit into the individual pension account, for e.g., Rs 99 per month per contribution.
3.4 Two-Phase On-boarding Process
To facilitate early and seamless adoption, a two-phase registration process shall be applicable:
(i) Phase I – Quick Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN) Generation:
a. While on-boarding the Platform Service Partners, the Platform Aggregators/PoP shall carryout the KYC verification of Service Partners to capture the minimum required particulars, such as Name, Address, PAN, Mobile number, and Bank account details.
b. The KYC shall be done through Aadhaar-based eKYC or any other mode specified by the PFRDA from time to time in accordance with PMLA rules and PFRDA Guidelines in this regard. In cases the KYC details are already available with the Platform Aggregator, the same may be utilised by the PoP. The PRAN may be generated based on consent of the Service Partners for on- boarding.
c. The investment scheme and Pension Fund may be selected by the Platform Aggregator at the time of on-boarding and the Service Partners shall have the choice to change the same post the on-boarding.
(ii) Phase II – Completion of Subscriber Information
(a) Additional details such as fathers name/ mother name, email id and nominee details, to be submitted by the Service Partners. Subsequently, the nominee details are required to be taken and recorded by the PoP within 60 days of onboarding.
3.5 Cost Structure
(i). PoP Charges: PoPs shall not charge on-boarding fee for on-boarding of the Service Partners through Platform Aggregators till the time Incentive framework is available to the PoPs. The subsequent contribution charges shall be as per the existing charges or as modified by the PFRDA from time to time.
(ii) CRA Charges: Charges as approved by PFRDA for informal sector and in line with NPS Lite/APY.
(iii) Pension Fund, NPS Trust & Custodian Charges: Charges as approved by the Authority. 6 Incentive Framework under NPS
To promote the initial adoption of NPS by Platform Service Partner and in order to encourage PoPs to actively build systems, create awareness, and educate platform Service Partners, PFRDA shall provide an incentive of upto ₹100 per new account on-boarded under this model as a promotional activity. The Incentive Framework is as under:
| Type of Incentive | Eligibility Criteria | Conditions | Rate |
| Registration/ Activation Incentive |
Enrolment of new individual
Service Partners by the PoPs |
|
Upto ₹100 per capita |
*Active account means where the subscriber has contributed at least Rs. 1000 during the year PoPs shall not charge any on-boarding fee from subscribers under this framework.
The incentive framework for PoPs is applicable for platform Service Partners registered till 31st March 2026 under NPS e-shramik (Platform Service Partner) Model. This framework would be reviewed thereafter.
3.7 Shifting and Portability
i. The Platform Service Partners could be simultaneously working with many Platform Aggregators. However, the Individual pension account can be opened through one Platform Aggregator only.
ii. The Platform Service Partners can shift/port the individual pension account from one platform aggregator to another, and can change from the Platform Service Provider scheme launched by Pension Funds to the Common Scheme.
3.8 Exit and Withdrawal Provisions
(i) Exit and withdrawal for Platform Service Partners shall be as applicable under the All Citizen Model, as specified under PFRDA (Exit and Withdrawals) Regulations, 2015.
4. This circular is being issued in exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013.
Yours sincerely,
(Sumit Kumar)
Chief General Manager
