Pension reforms' success to facilitate development

Pitching for statutory recognition to the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, the Economic Survey 2009-10 said on Thursday the success of pension reforms will facilitate development in the country along with providing social security.

"The success of the pension reforms will not only facilitate the flow of long-term savings for development, but also help establish a credible and sustainable social security systems in the country," the Survey tabled in Parliament by Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee said.

Provision of a statutory status to the pension regulator would help Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority perform its regulatory and development roles effectively, it said.

Pension reforms in India have generated widespread interest internationally, it said.

However, PFRDA, set up as a regulatory body for pension sector, is yet to get statutory powers as the Bill pertaining to that effect lapsed in Parliament with the expiry of last Lok Sabha in 2009.

The PFRDA is engaged in consolidating the initiatives taken so far regarding the full New Pension System and expanding the reach of distribution network.