Bhuj: A workshop on the National Pension System (NPS) for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) was organized in Bhuj by the Federation of Kutch Industries Association (FOKIA) in association with the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA), Govt of India and PwC India.Pradeep Kothari, CEO of Gimpex Imerys India Private Limited and a member of the FOKIA executive committee, delivered the keynote address and spoke on the role of pension schemes in MSME growth and employee welfare. Arvind Thakkar, president of the Bhuj GIDC Association, delivered the welcome address.Devesh Mittal, deputy general manager, PFRDA, provided an overview of the NPS, highlighting its portability and tax efficiency. He emphasised the need to expand pension coverage among the informal workforce to strengthen social security in Gujarat.Adarsh Bind, key account manager at SBI Pension Fund, explained NPS account types, asset classes and the onboarding process. Bharat Nakum, an officer from the Kutch District Industries Centre (DIC) shared details of the Atmanirbhar Gujarat MSME scheme.The programme concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by a vote of thanks by Vishal Clark, associate director, PwC India. Representatives from the Bhuj GIDC Association, Anjar GIDC Association, Kutch China Clay Association, and several MSMEs attended the workshop.
