There are however, some mandatory schemes for employees of State and Central governments, employees of public sector banks, employees in firms with a staff of 20 or more and some others.
In recent years, the insurance and the mutual fund industry in India has also started offering pension plans. In 2004, a new defined contribution individual account pension system was constituted for Central government employees recruited after January 1, 2004. This will soon be open for all citizens of India on a voluntary basis.
For more information on pensions in India, click here.