Trade leaders and entrepreneurs sensitized on retirement planning, tax benefits and workforce financial security.
Pathankot - Punjab State Chapter of PHDCCI, in association with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and Beopar Mandal, Pathankot, organized an awareness session on National Pension System (NPS) – Building a Secure Future for MSME Workforce at Pathankot.
The objective of the programme was to create widespread awareness among local trade leaders and MSMEs regarding retirement planning, financial security, and the long-term benefits of adopting the National Pension System for both employers and employees.
Delivering the welcome address, Sh. Deepinder Arora, President, Beopar Mandal, Pathankot, emphasized the crucial role played by small businesses and trade units in driving regional economic growth, stressing the need to implement structured welfare and security mechanisms for workforce retention and stability.
Addressing the gathering, Sh. Abhishek Dhiman, Assistant Manager, PFRDA, outlined the overarching vision of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority in expanding social security coverage across the unorganized and MSME sectors.
A detailed presentation on NPS for MSMEs – Benefits, Enrolment Process, and Tax Advantages was delivered by Mr. Begraj Saini, Sr Manager, HDFC Pension Fund. The presentation elaborated on the operational aspects of NPS, corporate co-contribution benefits, tax incentives under applicable provisions of the Income Tax Act, investment flexibility, and seamless digital onboarding.
Mr. Sumit Kumar, Assistant Secretary, PHDCCI, presented an overview of the activities of PHDCCI highlighting its legacy, diverse initiatives, and key activities undertaken by the Punjab State Chapter for the growth and development of industry, MSMEs, startups, and entrepreneurs. He also apprised the participants of the various policy advocacy, capacity-building programmes, business networking platforms, and sector-specific initiatives being undertaken by the Chamber.
PHDCCI Secretariat was represented by Mr. Gursharan Singh, Resident Officer, PHDCCI, who actively interacted with participants during the open-house discussion and addressed their queries regarding PHDCCI's initiatives and the National Pension System.
The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Sh. Satish Mahindru, Chairman, The Hindu Urban Cooperative Bank Pvt. Ltd. & Chief Advisor, Beopar Mandal, Pathankot, who emphasized that NPS serves as an affordable, secure, and highly effective social security tool that can significantly strengthen workforce stability for MSMEs in Pathankot.
The session witnessed enthusiastic participation from local industry leaders, trade representatives, entrepreneurs, and MSMEs, reflecting a shared commitment towards promoting financial security and building a resilient workforce through the National Pension System.