India’s pension regulator has launched the NPS e-shramik, a new retirement savings option for gig and platform workers, allowing contributions from as little as Rs 99 and offering flexible, simplified enrolment through digital platforms.
India’s pension regulator has opened a new retirement savings route for gig and platform workers, allowing contributions to the National Pension System from just Rs 99.
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority said the framework is meant for workers linked to companies including Zomato, Swiggy, Blinkit, Ola, Uber and Urban Company. It described the arrangement as flexible, with no fixed minimum or maximum contribution requirement, giving workers the option to save at their own pace.
The model, known as NPS e-shramik, was introduced by the PFRDA through a circular dated October 29, 2025. According to the regulator’s framework, contributions may be made by the worker, by the platform aggregator, or jointly by both. The structure is intended to bring digital platform workers into the pension system while keeping the process simpler than a conventional employment-linked retirement plan.
The onboarding process is split into two stages. First, basic know-your-customer details are collected, including name, address, PAN, mobile number and bank account information. KYC can be completed through Aadhaar-based e-KYC or another method permitted by the regulator. Once the worker consents, a permanent retirement account number is generated.
At the account-opening stage, the platform can choose the investment scheme and pension fund on the worker’s behalf, although the worker may change those selections later. The PFRDA says points of presence, which handle NPS account opening and related services, can work with aggregators to enrol workers, and platform companies do not need separate registration with the regulator.
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