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Date: 2026-02-27 Category: Public Private Partnership in India State: Union Government Country: India

Guidelines for Operational Activities - to be followed by Point of Presence (PoPs) performing activities of NPS Lite

Issued by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority · Not Applicable

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Executive Summary & Key Takeaways

**Executive Summary** This circular, issued by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) on February 27, 2026, provides revised guidelines for operational activities to be followed by all Points of Presence (PoPs) performing activities related to NPS-Lite. These guidelines, which supersede earlier ones, become effective April 1, 2026. First reporting under the revised format is applicable from the Financial Year (FY) ending in March 2027. **Key Points / Main Content** * **General Guidelines:** * The guidelines are issued under Section 14 of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013, read with Chapter VII of PFRDA Regulations, 2018. * PoPs must adhere to the revised guidelines in all operational activities related to NPS-Lite. * PoPs shall display these guidelines on their website/intranet. * All entities are advised to update their system and streamline the processes. * Referred circular and other relevant documents are available at www.pfrda.org.in. * Compliance with respect to the Authority guidelines, Circulars, Notifications, Advisories and Directions issued by the Authority from time to time and any other law in force while performing the activities related to Point of Presence * **Service Standards:** * PoP-NPS-Lite shall follow service standards for all NPS-Lite activities as specified in the schedule. * Must make good the loss to the subscriber in case of any delay or violation in Service Standards. * **Financial Transactions:** * Compensation for delay in financial transactions: Repo rate + 2% p.a. of the transaction amount. * Compensation for delay in non-financial transactions: Rs 5 per day, subject to a maximum of Rs 100. * Encourage subscribers to do cashless transactions. * **Facilitation and Grievance Redressal:** * PoP-NPS-Lite shall facilitate eligible subscribers for migration to Atal Pension Yojana (APY) or National Pension System (NPS). * Resolve grievances of subscribers in accordance with PFRDA regulations. * PoP-NPS-Lite may engage banking correspondents as facilitators, ensuring compliance with PFRDA regulations. * Facilitators must contact only the associated PoP; direct communication with PFRDA is prohibited. * Compile and submit MIS reports on behalf of facilitators to the Authority. * **Contribution Collection:** * Make available all NPS-Lite scheme related forms on its website or branches. * Adhere to PFRDA Act 2013 and all regulations, circulars, guidelines, etc., issued by the Authority. * Ensure credible collection infrastructure is available to its underlying subscribers. * Open or maintain a collection account as specified in the guidelines. * Collection account must be non-withdrawable. * Transfer authority resides with the PoP, with written record and audit trail. * Accept subscriber contributions only from designated/registered branches or facilitators. * Ensure a list of designated branches and facilitators is publicly available. * Ensure acknowledgement slips/receipts with unique numbers are issued. * Collect PAN for cash transactions exceeding Rs.50,000/-. * PoP-NPS-Lite is prohibited to share its collection account number with any of its individual subscribers, to avoid direct deposit of the contribution by cash/cheque into the collection account. * **Pooling of Contributions:** * Cash/cheque collected must be deposited during bank working hours within specified TATs. * NBFC PoPs-NPS-lite need to ensure that contributions collected from NPS-lite subscribers to be transferred to Trustee Bank on T Day (same day) basis. * Ensure that the deposit slips are signed and stamped by the Bank and copies are available with the PoP-NPS-Lite for further inspection and audit. * Fees and charges earned from NPS-Lite transactions must be in a separate POP account. * Ensure no funds remain unidentified/un-reconciled in the collection account. * Upload all contribution details and remit funds to the Trustee Bank as per the timelines specified under the Schedule. * Strict compliance with directions/circulars issued by PFRDA for digital transactions. * Display settlement time and charges for digital transactions. * **Risk and Fraud Mitigation:** * Establish robust mechanisms for identifying, assessing, controlling, and monitoring risks. * Implement controls to avert Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) risks. * Monitor the collection account daily. * Ensure vigilance and due diligence in subscriber registration, fund collection, and exit processes. * The compliance officer must review compliance with PFRDA Act and regulations on a periodic basis. * Take measures to prevent fraud and follow PFRDA's fraud prevention guidelines. * Lay down internal controls and ensure they are adequate and effective. * Make provisions to indemnify the subscriber in case of fraud or negligence. * **Reports and Disclosures:** * Submit checked and verified reports to the Supervision department - PoP, PFRDA, as specified by the Authority. * Submit an Exception Report annually by 30th April, including details of any major deviations. * Submit Cyber Security Certificate annually, along with a report on cyber-attacks. * Include details of NPS-Lite activities undertaken by facilitators in the report. * All reports shall invariably be duly checked and verified by the Compliance Officer. * **Grievance Redressal:** * Maintain an internal Grievance Redressal Mechanism according to PFRDA regulations. * Make public the details of the Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) on the website and at branches. * Monitor and resolve grievances in the Central Grievance Management System (CGMS) daily. * Display contact details of the grievance redressal cell and upload grievances to CGMS. * Lodge grievances against intermediaries in CGMS. * Top management must review grievances and report to the Board. * Comply with communications issued by the NPS Trust and/or the Ombudsman. * **Other Functions:** * Appoint a Compliance Officer, Designated Director, and Principal Officer as per PFRDA regulations. * Communicate any change in these officers to the Authority within 3 working days. * Proper handover of duties is required during officer changes. * Registration and display of NLOO/NLAO/NLCC * PoP-NPS-Lite is advised to register its service provider branches or offices performing the activities under NPS-Lite in the CRA(s) system as ‘NLOO/NLAO/NLCC' and shall ensure that the list is made available on its website. * **IT and Cyber Security:** * Maintain adequate IT infrastructure and ensure compliance with cyber security policies. * **Service Standards (Schedule):** * Provides specific Turn Around Times (TATs) for subscriber registration, contribution processing, and service requests. **Impact Analysis** **Stakeholder: Points of Presence (PoPs) - NPS-Lite** * **Impact:** Required to update systems and processes to align with the new operational guidelines and adhere to revised service standards. * **Action Required:** Update systems, train staff on new guidelines, revise processes, and submit compliance reports as per revised formats and timelines. Appoint Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer as per PFRDA regulations. **Stakeholder: NPS-Lite Subscribers** * **Impact:** Enhanced service standards, compensation for delays, and improved grievance redressal mechanisms. * **Action Required:** Be aware of the revised service standards, compensation norms, and grievance redressal processes, and provide required information to PoPs in a timely manner. **Stakeholder: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA)** * **Impact:** Increased regulatory oversight and reporting requirements for PoPs. * **Action Required:** Monitor PoP compliance, review submitted reports, and enforce guidelines.

Key Entities Referenced

PFRDA Act 2013: Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013, establishing the regulatory framework. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018: Regulations governing Points of Presence (PoPs) under PFRDA. PoP-NPS-Lite: Point of Presence (PoP) registered under Regulation 3(1) of PoP Regulations, facilitating NPS-Lite scheme. National Pension System (NPS): National Pension System (NPS) is a voluntary, defined contribution retirement savings scheme. Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA): The regulator for the National Pension System (NPS) in India.
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CIR No.: PFRDA/2026/12/SUP-POP/04 Dated: 27th February, 2026 CIRCULAR To, All Points of Presence (PoPs-NPS-Lite) Subject: Guidelines for Operational Activities - to be followed by Point of Presence (PoPs) performing activities of NPS Lite. In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14 of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013 read with Chapter VII of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018, and amendments thereof, the following guidelines are being issued. These guidelines shall supersede the earlier guidelines issued for compliance by all Points of Presence registered under Regulation 3(1) - of PoP Regulations (hereinafter referred to as ‘PoP-NPS- Lite’). Each PoP-NPS- Lite shall adhere to the revised guidelines in all its operational activities with respect to NPS- Lite. These guidelines shall be effective from April 01, 2026 and shall supersede the existing guidelines. The first reporting under the revised format shall be applicable from Financial Year (FY) ending on March 2027 onwards. The detailed guidelines covering following points are enclosed along with this circular. A. Service Standards B. Standard Operating Procedures C. Subscriber On-boarding Procedure D. Contribution Management Procedure E. Reports and Disclosures F. Redressal of grievances G. Other Functions All entities are advised to update their system and streamline the processes to follow the operational guidelines issued by the Authority. (Ashish Kumar) Chief General Manager ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 1GUIDELINES ISSUED UNDER SECTION 14 OF THE PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY, ACT, 2013 READ WITH THE PENSON FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (POINT OF PRESENCE) REGULATIONS 2018 (AS AMENDED) IN RESPECT OF THE POINT OF PRESENCE REGISTERED UNDER THE REGULATION 3(1) THEREOF. In exercise of the powers conferred under Section 14 of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013 read with Chapter VII of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018, and amendments thereof, (hereinafter referred as “PoP Regulations”), more particularly Regulation 15, the following guidelines are being issued for compliance by all Points of Presence registered under Regulation 3 (1) of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and amendments thereof: Regulation 3(1) – NPS-Lite-scheme (hereinafter referred in these Guidelines as ‘PoP-NPS-Lite’ for convenience of reference). These guidelines shall be effective from April 01, 2026 and shall supersede the existing guidelines. Notwithstanding such supersession, anything done or any action taken under or in terms of the said guidelines, shall be deemed to be valid and have effect, for the period, when such guidelines was in force and remains applicable. The present guidelines may be modified by the Authority from time to time depending upon the service requirement/amendments in the Regulations, if any. PoPs shall display these guidelines on its website/intranet. A. Service Standards [1] PoP-NPS-Lite shall follow the ‘Service Standards’ for all activities under NPS-Lite-scheme as specified under Schedule of these guidelines for providing the services to subscribers/prospects of NPS-Lite-scheme in mode and manner specified therein. [2] PoP-NPS-Lite shall collect the contributions from the NPS-Lite-scheme subscribers on regular basis and aggregate the contribution information and the relevant funds at the level of the nodal office. [3] PoP-NPS-Lite shall provide services, such as processing of subsequent transactions for the subscribers including upload of SCF in CRA system and other services like shifting of PoP-NPS- Lite, change in personal details of the subscriber, processing of death claims processing of exit/withdrawal request, follow up on initiation of exit request under NPS-Lite by the subscriber etc., in accordance with Schedule of guidelines. [4] PoP-NPS-Lite shall make good the loss to the subscriber in the event of any delay or violation in the Service Standard as specified under ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 2(i) Financial transactions – PoP-NPS-Lite shall pay compensation to subscribers @ repo rate + 2% p.a. of the transaction amount, which will be contribution amount (in case of deposit) or exit proceeds (in case of exit/ withdrawal claim), rounded off to next integer value, or as per rate determined by the employer/ aggregator for their employees/ associates, whichever is higher, for the period of delay. The repo rate applicable shall be as declared by RBI Monetary Policy Committee from time to time and as prevalent on date of receipt of contribution. (ii) Non-financial Transactions – PoP-NPS-Lite shall pay @Rs 5 per day, subject to a maximum of Rs 100, or as per the rate determined by the employer /aggregator for their employees/ associates, whichever is higher, for the period of delay. PoP-NPS-Lite shall always encourage subscribers to do cashless transactions. [5] PoP-NPS-Lite shall facilitate their underlying eligible subscribers for migration to Atal Pension Yojana (APY) scheme or National Pension System (NPS), if the subscriber so desires. [6] PoP-NPS-Lite shall resolve the grievances of the subscribers in accordance with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Redressal of Subscriber Grievance) Regulations, 2015 and amendments thereof. [7] In accordance with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018, and amendments thereof, PoP-NPS-Lite may engage the services of banking correspondents, for facilitating distribution of pension schemes, as facilitators and shall ensure the following while associating with any facilitator: (i). The terms and conditions of operations between PoP-NPS-Lite and the facilitator/s shall be mutually agreed upon and shall be in accordance with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Points of Presence) Regulations, 2018, and subsequent amendments thereof, as well as the present guidelines. PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure flow of information from facilitators to PoP-NPS-Lite in such a way that all Turn Around Times (TATs) as specified under service level standards in Schedule. (ii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that the facilitators should contact or communicate only with the associated PoP on all matters, and any direct communication with PFRDA shall not be entertained. (iii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall compile and ensure submission of the specified MIS reports on behalf of its associated facilitators, to the Authority. Facilitators shall not directly submit any MIS report / information to the Authority, which in event thereof, shall not be accepted as submission. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 3[8] PoP-NPS-Lite shall make available all NPS-Lite-scheme related forms, as specified by the Authority from time to time, on its website and/ or at branches, as the case may be [9] PoP-NPS-Lite shall adhere to the PFRDA Act 2013 and all regulations made thereto, and circulars, guidelines, directions, advisories etc. issued by the Authority from time to time. B. Standard Operating Procedures PoP-NPS-Lite shall adhere to the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for interfacing with Central Recordkeeping Agency (CRA), Trustee Bank (TB) and / or the Authority for the operational activities with respect to NPS-Lite-scheme. C. Subscriber On-boarding Procedure PoP-NPS Lite shall follow the service requirements for on-boarding of subscriber under NPS- Lite as specified in the Schedule-. D. Contribution Management Procedure PoP-NPS-Lite shall collect and process the contributions as per the service requirement specified in the Schedule. PoP-NPS-Lite shall comply with the following procedures and parameters to ensure transparency, uniformity and risk minimization. [1] NPS-Lite-scheme contribution collection process (i). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that credible collection infrastructure is available to its underlying subscribers. (ii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall open or maintain a collection account in the name of “Name of the PoP or its abbreviation –Collection Account – Name of pension scheme or its abbreviation – National Pension System Trust or its abbreviation” or as specified under Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and amendments thereof from time to time. (iii). As illustration, if the Point of Presence performing activities of NPS-Lite-scheme is State Bank of India, then nomenclature of the collection account will be “SBI- Collection Account – NPS-Lite -NPS Trust”. (iv). The collection account shall be a non-withdrawable account with an option to transfer the funds to the NPS Trust account. In exceptional cases such as wrong entries, unidentified entries or amount not pertaining to subscriber contribution, it may be credited to any other account as may be specified by Authority through guidelines/circulars and any other instructions issued by the Authority from time to time. PoP-NPS-Lite shall be required to record the reasons for such transfers in writing. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 4The a uthority to transfer the collection amount will reside with the PoP. PoP shall also record reasons for such transfers in writing and the same is subject to audit and inspection. (v). PoP-NPS-Lite may have a collection account with itself if it is a banking entity or with any scheduled commercial bank if it is a non-banking entity. (vi). PoP-NPS-Lite shall collect the subscriber’s contribution only from the designated/ registered branches or facilitator. (vii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that the list of designated/registered branches including that of the facilitators, which are authorized to collect contribution from subscribers, must be made publicly available. (viii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that the acknowledgement slip / receipt with unique number (preferably digital receipt) is being issued to the subscribers. (ix) PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure to collect the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of the subscribers for all cash transactions exceeding Rs.50,000/-(Rupees Fifty Thousand) or as specified under Rule 114B of the Income-tax Rules, 1962 is obtained at the time of collecting contributions. In case NPS-Lite account is opened through form 60 and PAN of the subscriber is not captured in the CRA system then it must be updated in the CRA system. [2] Pooling of contribution in the collection account (i). PoP-NPS-Lite is prohibited to share its collection account number with any of its individual subscribers, to avoid direct deposit of the contribution by cash/cheque into the collection account. (ii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that the cash/cheque collected, is deposited during the Bank working hours within the TATs as specified under Schedule. (iii). NBFC PoPs-NPS-lite to ensure that contributions collected from NPS-lite subscribers to be transferred to Trustee Bank on T Day (same day) basis. (iv) PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that the deposit slips are signed and stamped by the Bank and copies are available with the PoP-NPS-Lite for further inspection and audit. (v) The PoP NPS-Lite shall ensure to get the fees and charges earned from the NPS-Lite related transaction to a separate account of POP (other than the collection account) which shall be remitted from the CRAs through the modes of recovery of charges as permitted by the Authority from time to time; and shall maintain the trails of such transfer for audit and inspection. Further, necessary IT arrangements shall be made by ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 5PoP for the same. (vi). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that no funds remain un-identified/ un-reconciled in the collection account maintained by the PoP-NPS-Lite, and details of all contributions credited into the collection account shall be uploaded into the CRA system and funds are remitted to the Trustee Bank, as per the timelines specified under the Schedule. (vii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure strict compliance of directions/circulars issued by PFRDA in respect of processing of contributions received from aggregators/ payment gateways for digital transaction. Further, PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure display of settlement time and charges at the level of aggregators/ payment gateways for digital transaction, at the time of initiating payment of contributions by the subscriber. [3] Risk and Fraud Mitigation Measures (i). PoP-NPS-Lite shall have robust and efficient mechanisms for the identification, assessment, quantification, control, mitigation and monitoring of the risks associated with all the activities related to NPS-Lite. (ii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall have necessary control to avert the risk relating to Anti Money Laundering (AML) or Combating Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and shall be guided by the circulars, guidelines, directions, advisories etc. issued by the Authority from time to time. (iii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall monitor the functioning and processing of the collection account on daily basis. (iv). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure adequate vigilance and due diligence in subscriber registration (wherever applicable), the entire fund collection process, and at the time of exit, and shall receive withdrawal/exit requests along with all prescribed documents and KYC records. (v). The compliance officer of the PoP-NPS-Lite shall internally review compliance of the PFRDA Act, rules and regulations made thereunder, notifications, circulars, guidelines, directions, advisories etc. issued by the PFRDA from time to time, on periodic basis or more frequently, if required, and record of the same shall be maintained. Any deviations in this regard shall be reported to the Authority. (vi). PoP-NPS-Lite shall take all measures necessary for prevention of all forms of fraud and develop and follow PFRDA’s (Framework for Prevention and Reporting of Fraud Under NPS Architecture) Guidelines and amendments thereof. (vii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall lay down internal controls to be followed and ensure that such controls are adequate and operating effectively; and ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 6(viii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall make provision for indemnifying the subscriber for any loss on account of fraud or negligence on the part of the point of presence or its facilitators, which has been established. E. Reports and Disclosures [1] The PoP-NPS-Lite shall submit duly checked and verified reports to Supervision department - PoP, PFRDA through the mode(s) as specified by the Authority from time to time: (i) The Exception Report shall be submitted on annual basis to Supervision department – PoPs, PFRDA within one month of completion of every Financial Year (by 30th April every year), as per Annexure 1. Notwithstanding the periodic reporting, compliance officer of the PoP shall report any major deviation/breach to the Authority on occurrence basis. (ii) Cyber Security Certificate in accordance with applicable circular on [Annual Cybersecurity Compliance Certificate (as per Annexure 2) within 30 (thirty) days from the end of the Financial Year. Report on cyber-attacks incident pertaining to NPS-Lite activities, if any are to be submitted in terms of the Information and Cyber Security Policy of PFRDA. [2] The details of NPS-Lite-scheme related activities undertaken by facilitators/ any other channel approved by PFRDA or Government of India, shall also be included by the PoP-NPS- Lite in the report mentioned above. [3] PoP-NPS-Lite shall also submit the details/reports as may be specified by PFRDA from time to time. (All the above-mentioned reports shall invariably be duly checked and verified by the Compliance Officer.) F. Redressal of grievances [1] PoP-NPS-Lite shall internally maintain the Grievance Redressal Mechanism in accordance with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Redressal of Subscriber Grievance) Regulations, 2015 and amendments thereof, for redressing complaints with respect to the services rendered to NPS-Lite-scheme subscribers. The name, e-mail id/s and telephone number/s of the designated Grievance Redressal Officer (GRO) of the ‘PoP-NPS-Lite’ shall be made public through display on website and/or at branches. The GRO shall ensure that the grievances of subscribers are redressed effectively and expeditiously. [2] PoP-NPS-Lite shall monitor the grievances lodged in the Central Grievance Management System (CGMS) on daily basis and it shall ensure that those grievances are resolved on an ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 7immediate basis. [3] PoP-NPS-Lite shall display contact details of grievance redressal cell for receiving the grievances directly from the mapped subscribers and shall be responsible for uploading such grievances received directly from the mapped subscribers and other intermediaries into CGMS portal of CRA, and ensure redressal of the same within the timeline specified in Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Redressal of Subscriber Grievance) Regulations, 2015 and amendments thereof. PoP shall also maintain the record of grievance received directly from the subscriber in physical or digital mode. [4] PoP-NPS-Lite shall lodge its grievance, if any, against any intermediary such as CRA or Trustee Bank, in CGMS. [5] Top management of PoP shall review grievances under NPS-Lite as specified by the Authority for the quality of resolution to be apprised to the Board of the PoP. [6] POP shall devise a mechanism for reporting quality of grievance resolution observed by the top management to the Board of PoP. Such report should inter-alia include number of grievances received by the PoP over a period, number of grievances resolved by it; number of cases where appeals have been filed, Turn Around Time (TAT) taken for grievance resolution and report regarding review of quality of resolution of top management. [7] PoP-NPS Lite are required to comply with and take necessary action on communications issued by the NPS Trust and/or the Ombudsman. G. Other Functions [1] Appointment of Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer (i). PoP-NPS-Lite shall appoint Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer as per proviso under regulation 21 of Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and amendments thereof. The Compliance Officer shall be responsible for monitoring compliance under NPS-Lite including provisions of the PFRDA Act 2013, rules, regulations, notifications, circulars, guidelines, directions, advisories and any other instructions issued by the Authority from time to time. (ii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure that any change in the above-mentioned officers is communicated to the Authority within 3 (three) working days of the same as per format (Annexure 3). Further, frequent change of Compliance Officer may be avoided to ensure the continued monitoring and compliances. POP-NPS-Lite to also ensure proper handover takeover of the duties, in case of any such changes (iii). The latest details available with PFRDA with respect to the Compliance Officer of ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 8the PoP-NPS-Lite shall be considered for serving any notice(s) or taking any regulatory action(s), in case of any breach of any regulation or operational guidelines, as envisaged under the extant Regulations. [2] Registration and display of NLOO/NLAO/NLCC PoP-NPS-Lite is advised to register its service provider branches or offices performing the activities under NPS-Lite in the CRA(s) system as ‘NLOO/NLAO/NLCC’ and shall ensure that the list is made available on its website. [3] Confidentiality PoP shall maintain absolute confidentiality with respect to all records, data and information received by it in accordance with PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 and amendments thereof from time to time. [4] IT and cyber security requirements: PoP-NPS-Lite shall have adequate IT infrastructure at all its branches registered for carrying out the activities under NPS-Lite-scheme specified under the PFRDA Act, 2013, rules, regulations, notifications, guidelines etc. (i). For access to the CRA system, the concerned PoP-NPS-Lite shall: (a) Have regular and uninterrupted internet connectivity for web-based interaction; (b) Have demonstrated capability to electronically transmit the information related to NPS-Lite scheme subscriber contribution through the Subscriber Contribution Files (SCFs) as per the specified timelines; (c) Have adequate systems with Operating System (OS), web browsers etc. at all its branches and back-office software for: (I) Receiving transaction requests and uploading in the CRA system; (II) Issuance of acknowledgement slips with unique ID against receipt of subsequent contribution and all other activities; and (III) Monitoring status of each transaction and generating regular MIS reports for internal control purposes. (ii). It shall be the responsibility of the PoP-NPS-Lite to utilize the IT infrastructure and act on the basis of views and reports made available by CRA, for providing quality service delivery to the NPS-Lite-scheme subscribers. (iii). PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure compliance of cyber security policy and submit the reports ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 9as specified by Authority from time to time. [5] Compliance with respect to other guidelines PoPs-NPS-Lite shall follow the Guidelines, Circulars, Notifications, Advisories and Directions issued by the Authority from time to time and any other law in force while performing the activities related to Point of Presence Referred circular and other relevant documents are available at www.pfrda.org.in. ********************************************** ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 10SCHEDULE: Service Standards for PoP-NPS-Lite Types of Activities Service Requirements Turn Around Time 1. Subscribers Registration Registration of Gramin PoP- NPS-Lite/ shall submit the application Maximum T+9, where T is Dak Sevaks (GDS) only complete in all respects to Central Record the date of joining of the Keeping agency (CRA)/CRA-FC or the Gramin Dak Sevaks (GDS) / application to be processed through online the date of receipt of facility provided by CRA. application, whichever is applicable. PoP shall address the queries of potential subscribers regarding NPS- Lite at branches and also display the contact details of information desk. 2. Contribution Processing 2.1. Collection and i. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS- PoP-NPS-Lite to file the Processing of Lite / facilitators shall provide Turnaround Time (TAT) for contribution by the PoPs - acknowledgement slip / receipt with unique activities mentioned under NPS Lite which belongs to number along with receipt date and stamp/ second column of point 2.1 the following categories: signature. with PFRDA within 3 months from date of issuance of a) Entities / ii. Post verification of PRAN, PoP- NPS-Lite guidelines under File-and- Departments / / branches of PoP-NPS- Lite / facilitators Approve mechanism Ministries of Central and shall put non-cash instruments for State Governments; clearance. The maximum T+4, where T b) Entities created by iii. PoP-NPS-Lite shall credit the clear funds is the receipt of Central and State into the collection account if the same has contributions by the Governments for any been realized into the account, other than PoP-NPS- specified group of the collection account. Lite /branches of PoP- NPS- beneficiaries; and Lite / facilitators, will be iv. PoP-NPS-Lite shall reconcile the applicable. c) Non-Banking entities contribution, prepare the SCF, upload SCF and generate transaction id in the CRA portal. v. PoP-NPS-Lite shall remit the funds along with the transaction id to Trustee Bank post ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 11successful upload of SCF at CRA portal i. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS- Maximum T+4, where T is 2.2 Collection and Processing Lite / facilitators shall provide the receipt of contributions of acknowledgement slip / receipt with unique by the PoP-NPS-Lite Contribution by PoPs- NPS number along with receipt date and stamp/ /branches of PoP- NPS-Lite / Lite other than 2.1 signature. facilitators. ii. Post verification of PRAN, PoP- NPS-Lite / branches of PoP-NPS- Lite / facilitators shall put non-cash instruments for clearance. iii. PoP-NPS-Lite shall credit the clear funds into the collection account if the same has been realized it into the account other than collection account. iv. PoP-NPS-Lite shall prepare, upload SCF and generate transaction id in the CRA portal. v. PoP-NPS-Lite shall remit the funds along with the transaction id to Trustee Bank post successful upload of SCF at CRA portal 3. Processing of Service request(s) Subscribers service i. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS-Lite Maximum T+5, where T is request(s) i.e., Change in / facilitators shall provide the date of receipt of subscribers’ details, acknowledgement slip / receipt with unique complete request by the change of PoP, inter- number alongwith receipt date and PoP-NPS- Lite /branches of sector shifting, Migration stamp/signature. PoP- NPS-Lite / facilitators. to APY etc. ii. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS-Lite / facilitators shall upload and process the service request(s) as per the SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) provided by CRAs at their portal. 4. Grievance Management and Exit processing ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 12a. Grievances received i. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS- As per the Pension Fund from NPS Lite subscribers/ Lite / facilitators shall receive Regulatory and prospects and upload grievances into CGMS at CRA Development Authority portal on the same day. (Redressal of subscriber grievance) Regulations, ii. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS-Lite 2015 and if, any / facilitators shall resolve the grievances amendments thereto. received in CGMS in accordance with relevant regulations. b. Processing of exit i. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS-Lite Maximum T+7, in case of requests / facilitators shall provide superannuation or acknowledgement slip / receipt with unique premature exit and T+12 in number alongwith receipt date and stamp/ case of death, where T is the signature. receipt of such forms by the PoP-NPS- Lite /branches of ii. PoP-NPS-Lite / branches of PoP- NPS-Lite PoP- NPS-Lite / facilitators. / facilitators shall upload and process the exit requests and partial withdrawal Provided that the form along requests as per the SOP (Standard with supporting documents, Operating Procedure) provided by CRAs at as prescribed therein, are their portal. duly submitted iii. PoP-NPS-Lite should ensure that required information/documents for Fund Return cases and Quality hold cases are provided to CRA so that funds can be credited to the subscribers at the earliest. Note: The working days are to be considered for calculation of T and the prescribed TATs indicate the maximum timeframe prescribed for particular activities. However, PoP-NPS-Lite shall ensure carrying out the activities in shortest possible time. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 13Annexure-1 Exception Report for the Financial Year ended 31 March 20__ [To be submitted by PoP-NPS Lite through modes as specified the Authority from time to time within 30 calendar days from the end of the Financial Year] PoP Registration Number: CERSAI-CKYCR Registration Number: --------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- CERSAI-BUDS Registration Number: FINNET 2.0 Registration Number: -------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------- I certify that M/s …………….. (Name of the PoP-NPS-Lite) has complied with the provisions of the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Act, 2013, PFRDA (Point of Presence) Regulations, 2018 (as amended), the Guidelines, Circulars, Notifications and Directions issued by the Authority from time to time and any other law in force while performing the activities related to Point of Presence. I further certify that M/s …………….. (Name of the PoP-NPS-Lite) has adhered to TAT applicable for various activities as laid down in Schedule of the operational guidelines. Compensation has been paid to the credit of PRAN of affected subscribers (bank account in case of closure of PRAN) in case of delays in processing activities during the above-mentioned period. The list of delays along with reasons thereof are mentioned in Section A of the report. Section A: Delays in processing activities during the Financial Year ended 31 March 20__ (Beyond prescribed TAT) (Amount in INR) Sl. No. No. of Reason Total Compensation Reasons for In case of non- Type of No of subscribers for compensation amount paid non-payment of payment, activity days delay amount by the PoP Compensation whether of Amount reported to delay PFRDA, if yes, please specify date of communication 1. Subscriber Upto registration 7 days TATs: As more specified in than the Schedule 7 days ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 14Upto Processing of 2. 7 contribution days more TATs: As specified in than the Schedule 7 days Processing Upto 3. of service 7 request days more TATs: As than specified in 7 the Schedule days Upto Processing 4. 7 of exit days request more than TATs: As 7 specified in days the Schedule Insert additional rows wherever required. Note: 1. In case there is no deviation from the Service Level Standards, it shall be mentioned in the report as ‘No deviation observed/NIL’. 2. For the purpose of computation of TAT, non-working days shall be excluded. 3. For the purpose of compensation, non-working days shall be considered. Section B: Details of collection account maintained by PoP as on 31 March 20__ Section B1: Details of closing balance (Amount in INR) Sl. Bank account Name of Name of Balance as Out of (D), Out of (E), No. Number the collection on 31 Balance beyond Unreconciled (A) Bank account March T+4 (Amount balance as on 20__ not processed 31 March 20__ (B) (C) (D) within specified (F) TAT) (E) 1. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 15Section B2: Ageing report of unreconciled balance as reported under Column F of section B1 (Amount in INR) Details of unreconciled balance as on 31 March 20__ SI. Ageing Amount Reason for the No unreconciled balance 1. Upto 1 Year 2. More than 1 year and upto 3 years 3. More than 3 years and upto 7 years 4. More than 7 years Section C: Grievances redressal as on 31 March 20__ Sl. Number of Grievances Reasons for No. Pending as on 31 Received Resolved Pending as Pending pending March 20__ during the during the on last day beyond 30 grievances (A) Financial Financial of the (thirty) beyond 30 Year Year Financial days as on (thirty) (C) Year last day of days, if (B) ((A+B)-C) = the any (D) Financial (F) Year (E) 1. Top 5 (Five) Reasons for the grievances 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 16Section D: Details of Exit Cases as on 31 March 20__ Sl. No. Type of Exit Number of Exit Request Reasons for Request pending Pending as on Received Processed Pending as Pending exit request last day of during the during the on last day of beyond beyond previous Financial Financial the Financial TAT TAT, if any Financial Year Year Year Year (E) (F) (A) (B) (C) ((A+B)-C) = D 1. Pre-mature Exit 2. Normal Exit 3. Exit Due to Death Section E: Details of subscribers who have attained the age of 60 years but exit is yet to be processed S.No. Ageing No. of Reasons for the Remedial action by the subscribers same PoP 1. Upto 1 Year 2. More than 1 year and upto 3 years 3. More than 3 years and upto 7 years 4 More than 7 Years I hereby certify that also the information reported in Sections A, B, C, D and E is true and correct. Name of Compliance Officer: Designation: Correspondence Address: Mobile No. / Landline No.: Email id: Signature of compliance officer along Date: with official seal. Place: (Seal not required, if digitally signed) Note 1. Insert additional rows wherever required. ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 17Annexure 2 Cyber Security Compliance certificate for the FY 20__ (To be submitted by PoP-NPS-Lite through modes as specified by the Authority from time to time within 30 calendar days from the end of the FY) This is to certify that (Name of PoP NPS- Lite) registered vide Reg. No. with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has: Adopted and complied with the Information and Cyber Security Policy approved by the Board and has adhered to the extant Information and Cyber Security Policy Guidelines issued by PFRDA or the respective Principal Financial Sector Regulator (RBI / SEBI / IRDAI / NHB), as applicable, for the protection of data, information, and IT systems. Further, a Cyber Security Audit was conducted in accordance with the guidelines issued by the respective Principal Financial Sector Regulator, and all remedial actions recommended in the audit report have been duly implemented. Cyber incidents, if any, were reported to CERT-In and PFRDA, and were also reported to the respective Principal Financial Sector Regulator, wherever applicable, in terms of the Information and Cybersecurity Policy of such Principal Financial Sector Regulator. Name of CISO/Compliance Officer: Designation: Mobile No.: Email ID: Date: Place Signature of CISO/Compliance officer ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 18Annexure 3 PoPs shall submit the details of the Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer appointed by PoP in the below mentioned format within three working days of change/update. To, The Head of the Department Supervision Department - PoPs and RAs Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Subject: Reporting of Change of Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer This is to inform that (Name of PoP NPS-Lite) registered vide Reg. No. _________with Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority hereby informs that, there is change of Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer. The details of the Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer who has taken charge w.e.f __________(date of appointment/assumption of charge) is as below: Format for submission of details of the Compliance Officer, Designated Director and Principal Officer of the PoP Name Designation Email ID Contact (Mobile number) Address for correspondence Sign and Stamp of Compliance Officer ई-500, टॉवर ई, प ांचव ां तल , वर्ल्ड ट्रे् सेंटर, नौरोजी नगर, नई दिर्लली – 110029 E-500, Tower E, 5th Floor, World Trade Center, Nauroji Nagar, New Delhi – 110029 Phone: 011 - 40717900. Website: www.pfrda.org.in Page | 19

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