<h1>New Investment Guidelines for Provident Funds Increase Flexibility and Autonomy for Trustees, Effective April 1, 2009.</h1> The government has updated the investment guidelines for Non-Government Provident, Superannuation, and Gratuity Funds, effective April 1, 2009. The revised pattern, shaped by public feedback, aims to enhance trustees' autonomy and discretion. Key changes include merging government securities categories, introducing flexible investment ceilings, and allowing investments in new instruments like rupee bonds and money market instruments. Trustees can now invest directly in company shares up to 15% and have the freedom to exit downgraded financial instruments. The changes also permit securities trading with a turnover ratio limit and allow temporary investment ceiling breaches during the year.