The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a host of employee-welfare measures during FY2025–26, with a focus on inclusion, financial security, work-life balance and learning, according to its Annual Report 2025–26.
One of the key initiatives is the introduction of Meta Ray-Ban AI glasses for employees with benchmark disabilities under the visually impaired category. The AI-powered wearable is designed to improve accessibility at the workplace by enabling visually-impaired employees to carry out day-to-day tasks with greater independence. The move is part of SEBI’s efforts to create a more inclusive and accessible work environment.
The market regulator has also strengthened its retirement benefits by increasing its contribution to the National Pension System (NPS). Employees covered under the NPS will now receive a 14 per cent employer contribution to their Tier-I accounts, up from the earlier 12 per cent, aligning the benefit with the Central government’s contribution structure.
In a bid to make home ownership more accessible, SEBI has revised its housing loan policy. The regulator has raised loan eligibility limits, reduced interest rates and allowed employees to avail housing loans for a second residential property. It has also eased eligibility norms by relaxing conditions related to credit scores and monthly repayment deductions.
The annual report highlights enhancements to several other employee- benefit schemes. Limits under the personal advance scheme have been increased for education expenses of dependent children, purchase of motor vehicles, consumer durables and other personal requirements. The lease rental ceiling for officers posted in Mumbai has also been revised upward, while eligibility conditions have been relaxed.
SEBI has further expanded family-friendly policies by extending Leave Fare Concession (LFC) for air travel to all Grade ‘A’ employees. Women returning from maternity leave can also work from home for up to 90 days, subject to specified conditions, while crèche facilities have been strengthened to support working parents.
The regulator also continued its investment in employee capability building and well-being during the year. It sponsored 1,384 nominations for training programmes covering functional, behavioural and technology-related skills. Employees and their families also participated in wellness initiatives, including yoga sessions, CPR demonstrations, nutrition awareness workshops and engagement activities.
