The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), in collaboration with CAMS CRA, organised an NPS Vatsalya Outreach Programme today to promote disciplined savings habits among children and enhance financial awareness at the grassroots level. The programme convened students, teachers across schools, parents, district officials, and representatives of Points of Presence for an interactive session focused on building awareness of long-term financial planning. The programme began with a theme-based drawing competition on financial awareness, encouraging children to creatively interpret concepts such as savings, responsibility, and future security, followed by an engaging interactive session aimed at sensitising participants about the importance of early financial planning and long-term savings.
Launched on 18 September, 2024 by the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, the National Pension System Vatsalya (NPS Vatsalya) was designed exclusively for minors (below 18 years of age). Built on a clear ‘children-first’ philosophy, the scheme seeks to embed financial discipline early in life while introducing families to structured, long-term savings aligned with Viksit Bharat@2047's broader vision. Since its launch, NPS Vatsalya has witnessed encouraging participation, reflecting growing awareness among parents about the importance of starting long-term savings early.
The Chief Guest, Ms. Kshetrimayum Deepi Chanu, Assistant Collector, Tiruchirappalli, in her address highlighted that early savings through NPS Vatsalya act like planting a sapling today that grows into financial security for the child’s future, benefiting significantly from the power of compounding over time.
The event was graced by Shri Venkateswarlu Peri, Executive Director, PFRDA, Shri K Mohan Gandhi, Chief General Manager, PFRDA and Ms. Kavita Singam, General Manager, PFRDA; Shri Annadurai, District Education Officer, Tiruchirapalli; Shri Syed Hassan, Chief Program Officer, CAMS CRA, Shri Prasenjit Mukherjee, Head-NPS, CAMS CRA; and Shri Murugesan, Lead District Manager, Tiruchirapalli.
Under NPS Vatsalya, parents or legal guardians can open and operate the account on behalf of a minor child, with a minimum initial and annual contribution of ₹250 and no upper limit on investments. Upon attaining 18 years of age, the account can seamlessly transition into a regular NPS Tier-I account, allowing continuity of long-term wealth creation. It also allows gift contributions from relatives and friends as a “Vatsalya Aashirwad”. The scheme also offers a partial withdrawal facility (four times) along with exit provisions between 18-21 years of age.
Through district-level outreach initiatives, PFRDA continues to enhance financial awareness among families and guardians, encouraging early financial planning and fostering a culture of disciplined long-term savings for children.