All about 7th Central Pay Commission for Central Government Employees. Dearness Allowance for Government Employees, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES NEWS - DOPT, DOPT Orders, Expected DA & more.
कर्मचारी भविष्य निधि संगठन EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION श्रम एवं रोजगार मंत्रालय, भारत सरकार MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA मुख्य कार्यालय/Head Office भविषयूव निधि भवत, 34, भीकाजी कामा प्लेस, लई दिलली-110066 Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, 14, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066 Website: www.epfindia.gov.in, www.epfindia nic.m
To
The Addl. CPFC (HQ) / Addl. CPFC (Zones)/ Director (PDNASS)/ Addl. CPFC (ASD) All Regional PF Commissioners/ OIC of Regional Offices
Guidelines for Appointment on Compassionate grounds – Revised delegation of Administrative Powers – Regarding.
Ref: (i) HO letter no HRM-V/11(7)/ 2019/CA Policy Matter/Vol-III/1/474/2020 Dated: 23.07.2020 (ii) HO letter no. HRM-V/IV/11(7)/ 2015/CA Policy Matter/Vol.J/ 4563 Dated 29.06.2018.
Sir /Madam,
Please refer to HO Letter under reference (i) conveying the delegation of powers for appointment on compassionate ground of an eligible dependent family member of a deceased /missing employee or an employee retired on medical grounds. The detailed guidelines for consideration of appointment on compassionate basis are enclosed herewith, which may scrupulously be followed to ensure uniformity and transparency of procedure across the country.
(This issues with the approval of the Central P.F. Commissioner.)
Yours faithfully
Encl.: As above.
(Uma Mandal) Addl. Central PF Commissioner (HRM)
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR COMPASSIONATE APPOINTMENT IN EPFO
A consolidated set of instructions on compassionate appointment was issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoP&T) vide OM No.14014/02/2012–Estt. (D) dated 16.01.2013 as amended from time to time. In view of the statutory nature of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), the said guidelines have been adopted for implementation in EPFO, subject to such delegation as deemed appropriate by the CBT, EPF and with such modification as deemed expedient by the circulars issued by the Head Office from time to time. (A list of such circulars/guidelines issued on the matter is enclosed as Annexure-I along with copies thereof for ready reference).
2. The CBT, EPF delegated the power of appointment on compassionate grounds to CPFC and the ACC (Zone) in its 226 Meeting held on 05.03.2020. To give effect to the said delegation, a detailed set of procedural guidelines is laid down herewith. These guidelines shall further be subject to such amendment as deemed necessary by the DoP&T and Head Office from time to time.
3. The object of these guidelines is to bring uniformity and transparency in the procedure of granting approval for appointment on compassionate grounds to a dependent family member of an employee of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), who died in harness or who is retired on medical grounds, thereby leaving his family in penury and without any means of livelihood, to relieve the family of the employee concerned from financial destitution and to help it get over the emergency.
Ministry of Labour & Employment EPFO settles 1.37 Lakh EPF withdrawal claims to fight Covid-19 in less than 10
days
10 APR 2020
Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), an statutory body under Union Ministry of Labour & Employment has processed about 1.37 lakh claims
across the country disbursing an amount of Rs. 279.65 crore under a new provision especially formulated by amending the EPF Scheme to help
subscribers fight Covid-19. The remittances of the moneys has already started taking place. The system as it stands today is processing all
applications which are fully KYC compliant within less than 72 hours. Members, who have applied for claims in some other category, can also file
claim to fight pandemic and depending upon the KYC compliance condition of each member, every effort is being made to settle claims at the
earliest.
The provision for a special withdrawal from the EPF Scheme to fight Covid-19 pandemic is part of the PMGKY scheme announced by the government and
an urgent notification on the matter was made to introduce a para 68 L (3) of the EPF Scheme on 28th March 2020. Under this provision non-
refundable withdrawal to the extent of the basic wages and dearness allowances for three months or up to 75% of the amount standing to member's
credit in the EPF account, whichever is less, is provided. The member can apply for lesser amount also. This, being an advance, does not attract
income tax deductions.
Anticipating the huge surge in the demand, EPFO came out with acompletely new software which has been developed from scratch and a receipt module
for on-line receipt of the claims was introduced within 24 hours and deployed on 29th March 2020. Further, the application was required to be in
paperless form to curtail any physical movement in view of social distancing. It was decided to introduce a system of settling claims in auto mode
directly by the system in respect of all such members whose KYC requirements was complete in all respects.
The COVID-19 pandemic has posed a
serious threat and considering dire need of money in these trying times, it has been decided to process advance to fight COVID-19 pandemic on top
priority.
Claims for availing advance to fight pandemic are filed online, necessitating every EPF account to be KYC complaint as pre-cursor. EPFO has
relaxed date of birth correction criteria to ease KYC compliance enabling submission of claim to fight pandemic online. EPFO would accept the date
of birth recorded in the Aadhaar card of a subscriber as a valid proof for rectification of the date of birth in PF records. All cases with
variation in date of birth up to three years are now being accepted by EPFO.
Incentive use of own transport, following a mileage allowance, may be given to officers and staffs to make critical services from office in compliance with their controlling officers roster/orders
Employees Provident Fund Organisation MES
(Ministry of Labour & Employment, Govt. Of India)
Head Office
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan,
14- Bhikaiji Cama Place,
New Delhi- 110066
HRD/1(71)2014/Misc./Pt. II
Subject: Entitlement of Mileage allowance in addition to Conveyance Allowance during COVID-19 Lockdown - regarding.
As you are aware, the services of EPFO have been brought under the essential services in public interest and it calls for skeletal attendance of officers and staff at various offices for carrying out the requisite functions. As public transport is not available during the lockdown declared by Central Government on account of COVID-19. Officers and staff may be required to use their own vehicles for coming to office to perform essential duties. Accordingly, in order to incentive's usage of own conveyance, following mileage allowance may be provided to officers and staff attending office to render essential services from office in accordance with roster/orders of their controlling officers.
Mileage allowance will be admissible for Two / Four-wheeler vehicles used and at the corresponding rates (as being used to regulate TA bills) specified by competent Government Authorities where office is located.
Distance will be counted by shortest route in accordance with Google Maps from office to declared place of residence as per service book of concerned officials multiplied by 2.
Officials will give only one consolidated self-certified bill for claiming above Mileage allowance within 30 days of lifting of lockdown orders by Government of India.
Officials using staff car or car hired by office wouldn’t be entitled tor above Mileage Allowance.
Above mileage allowance will be admissible in addition to Transport Allowance payable under FR&SR.
Authorities empowered to pass TA Bills as per delegation of financial powers will be competent to pass above bills.
Ministry of Labour & Employment CPFC Directs to Ensure Credit of Pension to EPS Pensioners
by 30th March
26 MAR 2020
EPFO makes payment of pension to 65 lakh pensioners every month under the Employees pension Scheme, 1995.
Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) had directed to process pension payments in all 135 offices of
EPFO in advance so that no inconvenience is caused to pensioners on account of nationwide lock down for
containing Covid-19 outbreak.
EPFO officers and staff worked with dedication under most difficult circumstances but completed the
processing of pension payments in all 135 offices and provided pensioner wise pension payment details for 65
lakh pensioners alongwith requisite cheques to all pension disbursing banks. Link nodal branches of all
pension disbursing banks throughout India have been directed to ensure credit of pension in the accounts of
pensioners by 30th March, 2020. Thus timely credit of pension at this hour of need has been ensured by all
135 field offices. EPFO is committed to serve its pensioners at all times.
The current condition does not cause the pensioners any inconvenience EPFO to generate and reconcile details
of pensioners and statement of pension amounts by 25 March 2020 for the current month.
Ministry of Labour & Employment
EPFO issues Directions for timely credit of monthly Pension to EPS Pensioners
23 MAR 2020
EPFO is disbursing monthly pension to more than 65 Lakh pensioners every month under the Employees’ Pension
Scheme, 1995.
Due to the corona virus pandemic, lock down has been declared in various parts of the country. In order to
ensure that no inconvenience is caused to the pensioners on account of the prevalent situation, Central
Provident Fund Commissioner has directed the field offices of EPFO to generate and reconcile pensioners’ details and pension amount
statements for the current month by 25th March, 2020. He further directed that the same should be forwarded
to the banks in advance so that the monthly pension is credited into the account of the pensioners in time
i.e. during the month of March itself.
To
All Addl. Central PF Commissioners (HQ),
All Addl. Central PF Commissioners (Zones),
All Regional
PF Commissioners/ Officers-in Charge of Regional Offices.
Sub: Provision of downloading digital copy of Pension Payment Order (PPO) from Digilocker-
reg.
Madam /Sir,
With reference to the context cited above, EPFO has collaborated with NISD and has made available the digital
version of the Pension Payment Order (PPO) for the Pensioners of Employees’ Pension Scheme at Digilocker
Portal for the benefit of the Stakeholders. By collaborating with NISD, EPFO seeks to improve its service
delivery by creating a digital highway that can facilitate exchange of digitally signed documents amongst the
issuers, citizens and the other Government service providers. The PPO issued by EPFO to the EPS pensioners
has been made available at Digilocker Portal in shape of a Digital Certificate which any concerned EPS
Pensioners can download by registering on Digilocker.
Registration of New Public & Private Limited Companies for EPFO & ESIC now on MCA Portal
06 MAR 2020
As part of the ongoing efforts to improve India’s ranking in the Doing Business Report 2021, The Ministry of Labour & Employment has completed the reform to “Integrate process of registration for GST, EPFO, ESIC and Profession Tax for Maharashtra with company incorporation” in tandem with the MCA.
The reform has been completed by making the registration of new Public, Private Limited Companies and One Person Company for ESIC and EPFO mandatory through the Spice+ and AGILE-PRO eforms of MCA w.e.f., 15-02-2020. Registration for ESIC and EPFO for new companies as above has been stopped on Shram Suvidha Portal from 15.02.2020. A message to this effect is displayed on the Shram Suvidha Portal and the website of Ministry of Labour and Employment www.labour.gov.in as follows:
Registration for EPFO & ESIC for new Public& Private Limited Companies and One Person Company has been stopped on Shram Suvidha Portal from 15.02.2020.
With effect from 15.02.2020, new Public& Private Limited Companies and One Person Company shall get registration number for EPFO & ESIC on MCA portal (www.mca.gov.in) through Spice + and AGILE-PRO eforms) only at the time of incorporation.
However, the above new companies will have to comply with the provisions of EPF & MP Act, 1952, and ESI Act, 1948 when they cross the threshold limit of employment under the respective Acts.
G.S.R.132 (E).- In exercise of the powers conferred by section 6A read with sub-section (1) of section 7 of
the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (19 of 1952), the Central Government
hereby makes the following Scheme further to amend the Employees Pension Scheme, 1995, namely:-
(2) It shall come into effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
In the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, after paragraph 12, the following paragraph shall be inserted,
namely:–
“12B. Restoration to normal pension in cases of grant of commutation. – The normal pension in respect of
those members who availed the benefit of commutation of pension under the erstwhile paragraph 12A of this
Scheme, on or before the 25th day of September, 2008, shall be restored after completion of fifteen years
from the date of such commutation.”.
[F. No. R-15011/01/2019-SS-II (Pt.)]
R.K. GUPTA, Jt. Secy.
Note : The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 was published in the Gazette of India,
Extraordinary, Part II, section 3, sub-section (i) vide notification number G.S.R. 748(E), dated the 16th
November, 1995 and was last amended vide notification number G.S.R. 285(E), dated the 4th April, 2019.
Year End Review 2019 : Ministry of Labour and Employment
More than 39 Lakhs Beneficiaries Enrolled In PM-SYM and more than 20,000 in NPS - Traders
1,52,778 establishments covering 1,21,65,587 Employees Benefitted under PMRPY
30 DEC 2019
Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a number of initiatives for bringing transparency and accountability through
reforms and enforcement of Labour Laws, with the objective of strengthening the safety, security, health, social security
for every worker and bringing ease of compliance for running an establishment to catalyze creation of employment
opportunities. These initiatives include governance reforms through use of e-governance measures and legislative reforms by
simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the existing labour laws into 4 labour codes. Two mega pension schemes were
launched during the year for old age protection and social security of unorganized workers.
LEGISLATIVE INITIATIVES: LABOUR LAW REFORMS
Labour Codes: As per the recommendations of the 2nd National Commission on Labour, Ministry has taken steps for
codification of existing Central labour laws into 4 Codes by simplifying, amalgamating and rationalizing the relevant
provisions of the Central Labour laws. At present, the Ministry has been working on to simplify, amalgamate &
rationalize the provisions of the existing Central labour laws into 4 Labour Codes. (I) Labour Code on Wages: The Code on Wages, 2019 subsumes 4 existing Laws, viz. the Minimum Wages Act, 1948; the
Payment of Wages Act, 1936; the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965; and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. It has been passed by both
Houses of the Parliament and assented to by the President on 08.08.2019. (II) Labour Code on Industrial Relations: The draft Labour Code on Industrial Relations subsumes the existing Laws
viz. The Trade Union Act, 1926; The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Act, 1946; The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.
The Code has been introduced in the Lok Sabha on 28.11.2019. (III) Labour Code on Social Security & Welfare: The draft Code on Social Security subsumes 09 Labour Acts like:
The Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972, The Unorganized
Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008 etc.
The Code has been introduced in Lok Sabha on December 11, 2019. (IV) Labour Code on Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions: The Occupational Safety, Health &
Working Conditions Code, 2019 subsumes the 13 Labour Acts like: The Factories Act, 1948, The Plantation Labour Act, 1951,
The Mines Act, 1952, The Building and Other Constructions Workers’ (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act,
1996 etc.
The Occupational Safety Health & Working Conditions Code, 2019 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 23.07.2019. Presently,
the Code has been referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Labour for examination.
GOVERNANCE REFORMS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Shram Suvidha Portal:
The Ministry of Labour & Employment has developed a unified Web Portal ‘Shram Suvidha Portal’, to bring transparency and
accountability in enforcement of labour laws and ease complexity of compliance.
Allotment of unique Labour Identification Number (LIN) to Units after registration to facilitate online inspection
& compliance was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014 itself. Unique Labour Identification Number (LIN)
has been allotted to 27,81,065 units as on 08.11.2019. Transparent Labour Inspection Scheme in Central Sphere was started on the Portal with its launch on 16.10.2014
itself. Since the launch of the Labour Inspection Scheme, 5,24,189 inspection reports across the four Central Labour
Enforcement Agencies have been uploaded on Shram Suvidha Portal.
ONLINE RETURN - Unified Online Annual Returns have been made mandatory in respect of eight (8) Central Labour Acts,
namely, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Payment of Bonus
Act, 1965, the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, the Inter-State
Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979, and the Building and Other Construction
Workers (Regulation of Employment and Condition of Service) (BOCW) Act, 1996. These Returns which were half yearly/annually
earlier, now need to be filed by all employers annually only and are to be filed online. 1,08,711 online returns have been
filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal as on 08.11.2019 Since launch of the Online Annual Return.
31,047 online returns have been filed on the Shram Suvidha Portal till November 08, 2019 under Mines Act, 1952 (Coal Mines
Regulations, Metallurgical Mines Regulations and Oil Mines Regulations).
Unified monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational.
COMMON REGISTRATION: Common Registration form for EPFO and ESIC has been made operational. 1,27,544 units have been
registered with EPFO & 1,07,681 units have been registered with ESIC as on November 08, 2019.
Common Registration under three Central Acts namely the Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment
and Condition of Service) Act, 1996, the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and conditions of Service)
Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 is being provided online on Shram Suvidha Portal.
6052 registrations have been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
Licenses under two Central Acts, namely, the, Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of
Service) Act, 1979 and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 have been made online. 20,316 licenses have
been issued using this facility as on 08.11.2019.
State Integration
Integration of States with Shram Suvidha Portal is under way. As on date, Haryana, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya
Pradesh, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Delhi are being integrated with the Portal. Data is being shared and LIN is
being allotted to the establishments covered by the state labour enforcement agencies.
Start Up India
Facility for exemption from Labour Inspections under six (6) Central Labour Acts is being provided to the Start-ups which
submit self certified declarations through Shram Suvidha Portal.
State/UT Governments have been advised to regulate the inspections for the Start-Ups, wherever applicable and extend the
self-certification compliance regime from 3 years to 5 years. 27 States/UTs have taken action on the advisory dated
12.01.2016 /06.04.2017 issued by this Ministry for self-certification and to regulate inspection under the four (4) labour
laws viz. the Building & Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996, the
Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979,the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972
and the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970 for the start-ups wherever applicable.
Social Security Schemes
Government of India has launched two pension schemes for old age protection and social security of Unorganised Workers in
2019.
Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-dhan (PM-SYM), a voluntary and contributory pension scheme, was launched in February,
2019 for the benefit of unorganized workers. It is central sector scheme open to unorganised workers, whose monthly income
is Rs.15000/- or below and who has an Aadhar number as well as savings bank / jan-dhan account. The minimum age for joining
the scheme is 18 years and the maximum is 40 years. Under the scheme, minimum assured monthly pension of Rs.3000/- will be
provided to the beneficiaries from the age of 60 years onwards. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service
Centres, with its network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through
visiting the portal www.maandhan.in. Under the scheme, the subscriber is required to pay the prescribed monthly contribution
amount and the Central Government provides equal contribution. Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) is the Pension Fund
Manager and shall be responsible for pension pay-out. Total number of 39,00,525 beneficiaries under PM-SYM have been
enrolled as on 10.12.2019.
National Pension Scheme for Traders, Shopkeepers and Self-Employed Persons has been launched on 12.09.2019. It is a
voluntary and contributory pension scheme. Enrolment to the Scheme is done through the Common Service Centres, with its
network of 3.50 lakh Centres across the country. In addition eligible persons can also self-enroll through visiting the
portal www.maandhan.in. The traders in the age group of 18-40 years with an annual turnover, not exceeding Rs.1.5 crore and
who are not a member of EPFO /ESIC/ NPS/ PM-SYM or an income tax payer, can join the scheme. Under the scheme, 50% monthly
contribution is payable by the beneficiary and equal matching contribution is paid by the Central Government. Subscribers,
after attaining the age of 60 years, are eligible for a monthly minimum assured pension of Rs.3,000/-. Total number of
20,000 beneficiaries under NPS-Traders have been enrolled as on 10.122019. Pension Week was also celebrated in all the States/UTs w.e.f. 30th November to 06th December, 2019 in coordination
with Common Service Centres, to increase the enrolments under both the Schemes, i.e. PM-SYM and NPS-Traders. A Central level
function was inaugurated on 30.11.2019 by Minister for Labour and Employment launching the Pension Week/Pension Saptah. All
the State Governments/UT Governments were requested for popularizing and bringing more awareness about the scheme. The
progress of the Scheme is being reviewed regularly in the Ministry for taking initiatives under Mission Mode.
Major Steps Taken In EPFO
Three new apps to improve service delivery of subscribers were launched by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State
(I/C) for Labour and Employment on EPFO Foundation Day. The details of three important digital initiatives of EPFO are as
under:
Online Facility for UAN generation by worker: Now any workers can obtain Universal Account Number (UAN) directly
on EPFO website which enrolls them for PF, Pension and Life Insurance benefits and a worker need not depend on his employer
alone for UAN. This is in the direction of ease of living and ensuring universal social security.
EPS Pensioner’s PPO in DigiLocker website / Application (APP) EPFO integrates with DigiLocker of NeGD to create
depository of electronic PPOs which is accessible to individual pensioners. This is a move towards paperless system and ease
of living for pensioners.
e-Inspections: Digital interface of EPFO with employers: The E-Inspection Form would be available in user login
of employers not filing ECR which enables employer to inform either closure of business or unpaid dues with proposal for
payment. It will nudge employers for compliant behavior and prevent undue harassment of non-willful defaulters and eliminate
inspector raj.
Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member’s
Account for the year 2018-19:
In 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and
Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, the Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF
accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.
New Initiatives taken in Central Board of Trustees (CBT) meeting held on 21 August 2019: 1. Amendment in Employees’ pension Scheme 1995:
In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the
proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to
the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long
pending demand of the pensioner
2. Launch of Revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 Version:
The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs
of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances. Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF)
manufacturers through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI
MF) till then and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing
ETF manufacturers. Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between
Nifty 50 and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%. Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from
employer’s and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to
M/s. CRISIL limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in
redemption of ETFs, etc.
Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for
Proposal (RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio
Managers.
Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL
bonds recommended by FIAC.
Major Steps Taken In ESIC
Rate reduction in ESI Contribution- The ESI Corporation has reduced rates of ESI Contribution being paid by employees
and employers covered under ESI Scheme from 6.5 % (Employees’ share 1.75% & Employers’ share 4.75%) to 4% (Employees’
share 0.75% & Employers’ share 3.25%) with effect from 01.07.2019. This reduction of contribution rates, will ensures
financial relief to employers and employees. However, the healthcare benefits under the ESI scheme will remain the same. The
decision will benefit 36 million workers and 1.28 million employers.
Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries - ESIC has introduced a Health Passbook for ESI Beneficiaries in Phased manner.
This Health Passbook serves as a user-friendly mechanism for beneficiary identification, recording of clinical finding and
consultation advice by the Insurance Medical Practitioner(s). Salient feature of Health Passbook is as under: -
Separate Passbook with Unique Health ID, QR code and photograph of Insured Persons and his/her family members.
Serves for beneficiaries identification & recording of clinical findings and consultation advice by ESI Doctors/
IMPs.
Passbook would be issued by the ESIC Branch Offices in a phased manner.
Insured Persons of ESIC from newly implemented area to get treatment under Ayushman Bharat - Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya
Yojana (PMJAY): ESIC has decided to provide cashless medical care services to entitled Insured Persons and
Beneficiaries under Ayushman Bharat package rates in newly implemented area of 102 designated Districts through PMJAY
empanelled hospitals up to a maximum limit of Rs.5.00 lakh, beyond which individual case will be channelled to ESIC for
seeking approval for further expenditure on ESI beneficiaries. Similarly, PMJAY beneficiaries may get in-house medical
treatment services as per Ayushman Bharat approved packages from underutilized ESI Hospitals.
ESIC - Chinta Se Mukti app launched - The Corporation has also launched the ESIC “Chinta Se Mukti” app
available on the UMANG platform to facilitate stakeholders to view contribution details, eligibility for benefits, claim
status, etc. in their Mobile Handset.
Extending medical benefits to Non-IPs - The Corporation has extended its medical services to Non-Insured Persons
(General Public) in its under-utilized hospitals. Now, Non-IPs can avail medical services from underutilized ESIC Hospital,
at Alwar (Rajasthan), Bihta (Bihar), Gulbarga (Karnataka), Bareilly Varanasi, Sarojani Nagar (Lucknow) & Jajmau (Kanpur)
on a nominal charge of Rs.10/- for OPD Consultation and at 25% of CGHS package rates for IPD.
Unified Website - In order to maintain the corporate identity of ESIC and to have a repository of common information,
and also to have uniformity in design and content, a Unified Website www.esic.nic.in has been launched. All the Regional
Offices/Sub-Regional Offices, ESIC Hospitals and ESIC Medical Institutions & Hospitals have been made part of this
single unified website.
ESIC- contributing excellence in sports - ESIC had recruited 135 meritorious sports persons including Shri Pramod
Bhagat, ace para-shuttler from all across India during the year 2016. Shri Pramod Bhagat, an ESIC employee at Regional
Office, Bhubaneswar has received prestigious Arjuna Award for the current year on 29th Aug., 2019. Shri Pramod Bhagat has
many tournaments to his credit including five international titles in six tournaments he participated. He won a gold medal
in the men’s singles SL3 category at the BWF Para-Badminton World Championships in Basel. Bhagat said he is now focusing to
clinch a gold medal in the Olympics.
Strengthening of Medical Infrastructure - In order to provide in-house quality medical services in the major ESIC
Hospitals, of late, ESIC has procured state-of-the-art medical equipments viz. MRI, CT Scan etc. for ICU, Secondary &
Super Speciality care.
National Career Service Project-(NCS) - The Ministry is implementing the National Career Service (NCS) Project as a
Mission Mode Project for transformation of the National Employment Service to provide a variety of employment related
services like career counselling, vocational guidance, information on skill development courses, apprenticeship, internships
etc. The services under NCS are available online and can be accessed directly, through Career Centres, Common Service
Centres, post offices, mobile devices, cyber cafes etc. The various stakeholders on the NCS platform include job-seekers,
industries, employers, employment exchanges (career centres), training providers, educational institutions and placement
organizations.
The progress of NCS Portal is given below:
NATIONAL CAREER SERVICE
Sl. No.
Parameters
Number as on 31st October, 2019
1
Active Jobseekers Registered
1.01 crore
2
Active Employers Registered
25184
3
Total Vacancies Mobilized
58.50 lakh
With the increased focus of Government on Career Counselling, the Ministry proposes to create a network of Career
Counsellors where the Career Centres will become the hub of Career Counselling in their area. Under the process, 5645 Active
Career Counsellors from various States/UTs have got registered at NCS Portal.
The NCS Project also envisaged setting up of Model Career Centres (MCCs) to be established in collaboration with States and
other institutions to deliver employment services. Approval for 146 MCCs has been accorded (including 07 MCCs on non-funding
basis). These model centres can be replicated by the States from their own resources. The Government now, keeping in view of
the importance of the employment as a thrust area in Government Schemes, and to provide employment related services to
maximum job seekers and other stakeholders has decided to establish 100 more Model Career Centres (MCCs) thereby extending
the geographical coverage of the scheme increasing number of Government funded MCCs to 200 during 14th Finance commission
(2017-2020).
Proposals were received from different States. On the recommendations of the Appraisal Committee, Government has approved
171 (including 07 on non-funding basis) Model Career Centres. Further 37 more model career centers have been recommend by
the Inter Ministerial Appraisal Committee in the meeting held on November 20, 2019.
National Career Service Centres for Differently Abled (NCSC-DAs): 21 National Career Service Centres for Differently
Abled (NCSC-DAs) are functioning in the country under the administrative control of Directorate General of Employment, M/O
Labour & Employment. These Centres evaluate residual capacities of Persons with Disabilities, provide Vocational
Training, and extend Vocational Rehabilitation assistances etc. to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs). The Services of NCSC-
DAs are open to Persons with Disabilities irrespective of the gender and education in the category of Locomotor, Visual
& Hearing impaired, Mild Mental Retardation and Leprosy Cured.
6644 Candidates have been rehabilitated upto October 31, 2019 by NCSC-Das. National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs; Directorate General of Employment is implementing the
scheme for “Welfare of SC/ST job seekers through Coaching, Vocational Guidance and Training and Introduction of new courses
in existing National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs and Establishment of new NCSCs in the States not
covered so far” Under the scheme, National Career Service Centre Centres (NCSCs) for SC/STs has been set up by Govt. of
India, Ministry of Labour& Employment, DGE to enhance the employability of SC/ST job seekers through coaching/training.
So far 25 National Career Service Centre Centres for SCs/STs have been set up.
67761 candidates have been provided guidance and counselling services, 5621 students were trained in typing and shorthand
and 1050 candidates were trained in computer skills by NCSC-SC/STs upto October 31, 2019.
Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) - Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer’s full
contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible from time to time) for a period of three years to the new
employees through EPFO.
This scheme has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is incentivised for increasing the employment base of
workers in the establishment, and on the other hand, a large number of workers will find jobs in such establishments. A
direct benefit is that these workers will have access to social security benefits of the organized sector. All the
beneficiaries under this scheme are Aadhaar Seeded.
152778 Establishments covering 12165587 Beneficiaries have benefitted till November 25, 2019 under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar
Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY).
BRIEF OF WORKERS EDUCATION SCHEME
The Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education & Development (renaming of CBWE), an autonomous
body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India conducts the Workers Education
Programmes of varied nature and duration in the country through its 50 Regional and 7 Sub-Regional
Directorates spread Kashmir to Kannyakumari and Leh and laddakh for all categories without making any
distinction on the basis of male and female in Organised, Unorganised and Rural Sectors. The DTNBWED
training programmes aim at creating desired awareness among the workers in general and unorganized/ rural
workers in particular about their rights and entitlements under various welfare schemes of the Central / State
government etc.
The Board has organized 1625 training programme organized sector workers, 1120 programme conducted for unorganized and
150 for rural workers.
PIB
Year End Review 2019, Ministry of Labour and Employment, PMSYM, PMRPY, EPFO, ESIC, Pension, EPF, Employees pension Scheme,
Central Government Employees News,
Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (P.L.B.) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2018-2019
EPFO BONUS 2019
Through Web Circulation Only
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, 14-Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi- 10066 www.epfindia.gov.in www.epfindia.nic.in
No. WSU/25( 1 )/20 18-19 /PLB/ 8098
Date: 09.10.2019
To
All Addl. CPFC (Zones),
RPFC-I (ASD), Head Office &
Director (PDNASS) and
All Regional P.F. Commissioners-Incharge of
Regional Offices.
Sub: Declaration of Productivity Linked Bonus (P.L.B.) for the employees of the EPFO for the year 2018-2019.
Sir/Madam,
The Central Government has conveyed its approval to the existing Productivity Linked Bonus Scheme for the year 2018-2019 for the employees of EPFO vide letter No A-26022/1/94-55-1 (Pt) dated 9th October, 2019.
2. Accordingly, the competent authority is pleased to convey the approval for payment of the Productivity Linked Bonus for the year 2018-2019 for 60 (Sixty) days in all the offices of EPFO. The bonus of 60 days has been assessed on the basis of data/information .submitted by the Zonal Offices in compliance to Head Office letter dated 25.09.2019. The payment of bonus
is to be released to all Group ‘C’ and Group ‘B’ (Non-Gazetted) employees of EPFO.
3. The terms and conditions governing payment of P.L.B. will be as per the instructions and other terms & conditions issued by the Ministry of Finance O.M. No. 7/24/2007/E.III(A) dated 04.10.2019 for payment of bonus. The quantum of bonus may be assessed as per the following formula:-
= (AVERAGE EMOLUMENTS) X (NUMBER OF DAYS OF BONUS)
————————————————-
30.4*
(* Average number of days in a month)
4. The expenditure incurred for payment of bonus may be debited from the budget head “Productivity Linked Bonus.”
5. This has approval of Central P.F. Commissioner.
Review of Deposit Coverage Linked Insurance from GPF
Shiva Gopal Mishra
Secretary
National Council (Staff Side)
Joint Consultative Machinery,
13-C, Ferozshah Road,
New Delhi -
110001
No.NC-JCM-2019/Pension (SC)
September 26, 2019
The Secretary,
Government of India,
Department of Pension and Pensioners Welfare,
3rd Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan,
Khan Market, New Delhi – 110003
Sub: Revision of the benefit of Deposit Linked Insurance coverage from GPF.
Dear Sir,
You are aware that the above subject was discussed as Item No-3 in the Standing Committee meeting of the National Council
(JCM) held on 7-3-2019. The extract from the minutes of the above meeting is given below for your kind ready reference
‘Item No.3: Revision of the benefit of Deposit Linked Insurance coverage from GPF:
Joint Secretary (Pension) informed that a proposal was sent to Department of Expenditure to consider enhancement of the
limit set for Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme 1976 from Rs.60,000 to Rs.6,00,000/- Department of Expenditure requested for
clarification and some precedent cases which ave with EPFO. Since, Ministry of Labour and Employment has such similar
benefits, wherein the limit of DLIS has been enhanced to 6,00,000/- for depositors in EPF, covered under the scheme, the
precedent policy of M/o Labour & Employment along with the proposal has now been sent to Depariment of Expenditure. He
further informed that the Department of Expenditure has been reminded to take action expeditiously.’
In spite of the above decision it is regretted to inform you that till date the Government orders on the subject matters
has not yet been issued. It is therefore requested that the pending issue may be settled by issuing necessary Government
Orders. A copy of the Government orders may please be endorsed to this Office.
Central Board of Trustees (CBT) approved the proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees Pension Scheme (EPS)
1995
Ministry of Labour & Employment
CBT Approved Proposal to Recommend Amendment in EPS 1995 225th meeting of CBT held on 21st august, 2019 at
Hyderabad
22 AUG 2019
In a major decision, the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) EPF in a meeting held at Hyderabad on 21 August 2019, approved the
proposal to recommend for amendment in Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) 1995 for restoration of commuted value of pension to
the Pensioners after 15 years of drawing commutation which will benefit approx. 6.3 lakhs pensioners. This was a long
pending demand of the pensioners.
The Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar whose also Chairman CBT, while addressing
the CBT expressed satisfaction that Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is settling more than 91 % claims of EPF
members in online mode and lauded the efforts made to improve services for settlement of claims of family of deceased
members and EPF call centre function 24 by 7.
He also appreciated the good governance strategy adopted by EPFO in saving of Rs.22 crores p.a. due to negotiating reduced
OD charges increased FD interest and waiver of collection charges by SBI and further savings of Rs.50 lakhs p.a. due to
reduction in collection charges by three banks and achievement of highest yield (8.55%) by Portfolio Managers since July
2015.
The Minister released the educative booklet on seasonal employees regarding special provision in EPS’1995 regarding
eligibility of seasonal employees for pension. The contents of booklet brings out the Scheme provision that contributory
service in any year, even if contributory period is less than a year is treated as full year of eligible service for
seasonal employee and this will help dispel doubts in minds of members/employers.
The Chairman CBT also launched the revamped EPFIGMS 2.0 version which will benefit more than 5 crores subscribers and lakhs
of employers by speedy and smooth resolution of grievances.
The Board approved the proposal for Selection and Performance Evaluation of next Custodian by the new Consultant which will
be appointed on the basis of Report of Five Members’ Committee constituted by the CBT for the purpose.
In the matter of coupon default of IL&FS Ltd, the Board nominated three officers of Investment Division of EPFO to
attend the Debenture - Holders’ Meeting that may be held in future and if need be, vote on behalf of the Central Board,
EPF.
Selection of ETF Manufacturers: The Board approved the decision to choose the Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) manufacturers
through public bidding by 30/10/2019, extension of the term of the present ETF manufacturers (SBI MF and UTI MF) till then
and also to authorized the Finance Investment & Audit Committee (FIAC) to conduct the exercise of choosing ETF
manufacturers.
Allocation of investment in Nifty 50 and Sensex: The Board approved the proposal that the fund allocation between Nifty 50
and Sensex ETFs be divided evenly, i.e. in the ratio of 50% to 50%.
Appointment of a Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL Ltd: The Board approved the nomination of members from employer’s
and employee side in a Committee constituted to select and appoint a separate Agency/Consultant in addition to M/s. CRISIL
limited, inter-alia to review the working of the Portfolio Managers (PMs), assist the investment Committee in redemption of
ETFs, etc.
Appointment of Portfolio Managers for managing funds of Central Board, EPF: The Central Board approved Request for Proposal
(RFP) document for appointment of Portfolio Managers and recommendation of the FIAC on appointment of Portfolio
Managers.
Exercise of early redemption options available in DHFL Bonds: The Board approved for early redemption option in DHFL bonds
recommended by FIAC.
Consent for Transfer of Non- Convertible Debentures (NCDs) of GSPC to GSIL: EPFO has total investment of Rs.2300 Cr in GSPC
NCDs. The Board approved the transfer of NCDs of GSPC to GSIL, a wholly owned subsidiary of Govt. of Gujarat and a better
rated company which had made an offer to take over debt of GSPC with budgetary support of Government of Gujarat
Legal Entity Identifier Code (LEI) for participation in non- derivative markets by EPFO: In Nov’18, the Reserve Bank Of
India (RBI) issued advisory to all eligible market participants in the Financial Markets to obtain LEI Code. The Board
approved the nomination of the EPFO Officers as the authorized Officials to obtain LEI Code.
Withholding Investments in bonds of private sector companies: The CBT approved the decision to withhold any further
investment in Private Sector Companies Bonds and to compulsorily consider one of the two required ratings necessarily from
CRISIL, CARE, ICRA & India Ratings for investments in PSU Bonds category.
The Board ratified the decision of put option in NCDs of Tamil Nadu Power Finance Corporation and also approved put option
in bond issued Kerala Finance Corporation & Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Dev. Corp. Ltd.
Shri Raghunathan, Employees' Representative on the Central Board, EPF appreciated the efforts of the Finance Investment
& Audit Committee chaired by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner in finalizing the new Portfolio Managers for
investing EPFO's corpus through a very transparent procedure. He further informed the Board that while SBI's Fund
Management Arm has quoted 94% lesser than SBI PMS in the last mandate, UTI AMC has quoted 28% lesser. This would result in
huge savings in portfolio management fees by EPFO.
Ministry of Labour & Employment Maternity Benefits to the Women Employees
24 JUL 2019
Government is working on an incentive Scheme of reimbursement of 07 weeks wages for entities that provide 26 weeks maternity benefits to their woman employees as provided for in the Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017. To enable an entity to avail of the incentive, the women employees working in their entity should be a wage earner of less than Rs.15,000/- per month and a member of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for at least one year and not covered by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The scheme is proposed to be administered through Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and shall be implemented after obtaining the approval of the competent authority.
This information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
EPFO - Grant of TTA /Joining Time to officials / officers on appointment
EMPLOYEES PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan , 14, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi 110066
www.epfindia.gov.in; www.epfindia.nic.in
No. HRM-II/A.10(81)2016/941/3507
Dated: 18 June 2019
To
All Additional CPFCs (Zones)/ Director (PDNASS),
All Regional Provident Fund Commissioners
– Incharge Regional Offices! ZTIs/ RPFC(ASD). Head Office
Sub.: Grant of TTA/ Joining Time to officials / officers on appointment in EPFO - reg.
Madam/Sir,
The Head Office has been receiving representations from the Direct Recruit Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners who were employed in other Central Government Department and had applied through proper channel for appointment in Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, for granting them TTA/Joining Time on their appointment in this Organisation.
As per provision of SR 114 Travelling allowance is admissible to a Govt. Servant on transfer from one station to another, if he is transferred in public interest and entitled to joining time pay during the period of journey. As per Government of India decision (i) appended below a provision SR 114, it has been further clarified that:
(i) T.A to officials getting appointed under central Government through examination/interview – It has been decided that joining time and joining time pay should be granted as follows to Government servants appointed to posts under the Central Government on the results of a competitive examination which is open to both Government servants and others-:
(a) Joining time should ordinarily be permitted for all Government servants serving under the Central Government and for Provincial Government servants who hold permanent posts in a substantive capacity and that,
(b) no joining time pay should be granted except,-
(i) When the Government servant holds a permanent post under
Government (including a provincial Government) in a substantive capacity, or
(ii) In the case of appointments through the Home Department to the ministerial establishment of the Government of India Secretariat and attached or subordinate offices when a candidate originally nominated to a vacancy likely to become permanent is re-nominated to another such vacancy owing to the cessation of the former.
(c) Traveling allowance under SR 114. should also be granted in cases where Joining time pay is granted under Clause (b) above. This also applies to a Government servant selected after an interview for appointment to a post under central Government.
By implication of Government of India decision (i) under SR 114, a permanent Government Servant who has been permitted Joining Time as well as Joining Time pay, to be allowed Travelling Allowance under SR 114 on the results of the Competitive Examination which is open to both Government Servants and Others and even in case of Government Servant selected after an interview for appointment to the post of Central Government.
However, admissibility of Composite Transfer Grant. is governed by the provisions of SR 116(a). As per the entitlement w.e.f 01.10.1997, it is payable equal to (a) one month’s Basic pay, (b) Actual fare for self and family for journey by rail/steamer/air, (c) Road mileage for journey by road between places and connected by rail, (d) Cost of transportation of personal effects from residence to residence, (e) Cost of transportation of conveyance possessed by the employee.
EPFO being an autonomous body, FR and SR have been adopted by the Central Board and there is a parity in terms of the Rules. The GID no. (i) below SR 114 applies to the cases of permanent Govt. servant who have been appointed through Competitive examinations in other Government Department. However by analogy a Government Servant who is entitled to transfer allowance under SR 114 would be entitled under SR 116 as a natural corollary and hence the same may be considered to be allowed in such cases.
In view of the above. all such representations for grant of TTAI Joining Time may be examined in the light of SR-114. SR-116 and DOPT OM No. 2802011/2010- Estt.(C) dated 08.04.2016. It is reiterated that the benefit of TTA/ Joining Time on appointment is admissible only in cases where the officer was earlier employed as Permanent Central /State Government servant and had applied for the post in the new Department through proper channel.
(This issues with the approval of Competent Authority).
Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners?
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO: 23
ANSWERED ON: 24.06.2019
EPF Pension
N.K. Premachandran
Will the Minister of
LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-
(a)whether the Government has received report from the Committee appointed for study of the issues of EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof;
(b)the details of the recommendations of the said Committee;
(c)whether the Government has initiated action for implementation of the recommendations of the said Committee and if so, the details thereof;
(d)whether the Government proposes to increase the minimum pension for EPF pensioners and if so, the details thereof; and
(e)whether the Government also proposes to stop the realisation of amount from the pension on account of commutation of pension after realising the commuted amount and if so, the details thereof?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE (IC) FOR LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
(SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)
(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (e) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 23 TO BE ANSWERED ON 24.06.2019 BY
SHRI N.K. PREMACHANDRAN REGARDING EPF PENSION.
(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Committee appointed for Evaluation and Review of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, headed by Additional Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment has submitted the report on 21st December, 2018. The report inter-alia has given observations/ recommendations on the following issues:
Increase of Minimum Monthly Member Pension
Period over which the Average Pensionable Salary is calculated
Restoration of commuted value of pension
Re-introduction of the provision for commutation of pension
Restoration of the provision of Return of Capital
Linking the monthly pension with cost of living index
Issues of payment of pension on higher/actual wages to employees of exempted establishments.
As far as pension on higher wages is concerned, the issue is sub-judice.
(c): The consultation process on the recommendations/observations on the Committee’s report has been initiated with Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and Central Board of Trustees (CBT). CBT is a tripartite body representing trade unions, employers besides representatives of Central and State Governments.
(d): The decision on increase of minimum pension for EPF is dependent on the outcome of the consultation process and has impact on Budgetary resources of the Government as the Committee has recommended that increase in pension has to come from the Budgetary resources.
(e): No decision has been taken to restore the commuted value of pension, as it has implications on sustainability of the funds under Employees’ Pension Scheme, maintained by EPFO.
EPFO - Finance Ministry has approved 8.65% rate of interest on Employees Provident Fund
(EPF) for 2018-19
The Finance Ministry has approved 8.65% rate of interest on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF)
for 2018-19 as decided by retirement fund body EPFO, benefitting more than 6 crore formal
sector workers.
“The Department of Financial Services (DFS), a wing of Finance Ministry, has given its concurrence
to Employees Provident Fund Organisation’s (EPFO) decision to provide 8.65% rate of interest for
2018-19 to its subscribers,” a source privy to the development told PTI.
“The DFS has approved the proposal subject to fulfilment of certain conditions related to efficient
management of the retirement fund,” the source said further.
Earlier in February, the EPFO’s apex decision making body Central Board of Trustees headed by labour
minister Santosh Gangwar had decided to raise the interest rate on EPF to 8.65% for 2018-19, which
was the first increase in the last three years.
The interest rate on EPF was hiked to 8.65% for the last fiscal from 8.55% provided in 2017-18. The
EPFO had earlier reduced the interest rate in 2016-17 to 8.65% from 8.8% in 2015-16.
After the Finance Ministry concurrence, the Income Tax Department and the Labour Ministry would
notify the rate of interest for 2018-19. Thereafter the EPFO would give directions to its over 120
field offices to credit the rate of interest into subscribers’ account and settle their claims
accordingly.
According to the EPFO estimates, there would be a surplus of Rs.151.67 crore after providing 8.65
per cent rate of interest for 2018-19 on EPF. There would have been a deficit of Rs.158 crore on
providing 8.7 per cent rate of interest in EPF for last fiscal. That is why the body decided to
provide 8.65 per cent rate of interest for 2018-19.
The EPFO had provided a five-year low interest rate of 8.55% to its subscribers for 2017-18.
Central Board of Trustees, EPF recommends crediting of 8.65% rate of interest on Accumulations in the EPF Member's Account for the year 2018-19
21 FEB 2019
The 224th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF was held here today under the chairmanship of Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment (I/C) Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar. The Central Board recommended crediting of 8.65 % rate of interest on the EPF accumulations in the EPF member’s account for the year 2018-19.
The Central Board ratified the amendment in EPF Scheme 1952, as approved in the 141st meeting of Financial Investment and Audit Committee (FIAC) held on February 12, 2019, to enable accounting of Investment in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) (Equity & Related Investment).
The Central Board ratified the approval of Chairman, CBT, EPF for continuation of C-DAC as a consultant to carry out the second phase of Computerisation Project. The Board gave extension to M/s Standard Chartered Bank as custodian of the EPFO securities on the existing terms and conditions of agreement for the period upto March 31, 2019.
The Central Board approved revised estimate for the year 2018-19 and budget estimates for the year 2019-20 and recommended it to the Central Government for approval. The Board gave consent to have performance review of the Portfolio Managers from a separate agency in addition to review by M/s CRISIL Limited.
The Central Board took note of the proposal for recommendation for grant of exemption to six establishments under Section 17(2) of the EPF&MP Act, 1952 read with Para 27A of the EPF Scheme, 1952 by the Appropriate Government . The Board took note of the proposal for recommendation for grant of exemption under Section 17(2) of the EPF & MP Act 1952 read with Para 27A of the EPF Scheme,1952 to M/s Software Technology Parks of India with effect from June 05, 1994 by the Appropriate Government.
7th CPC recommendations were implemented & NPS has been liberalized
said by Shri Goyal - PIB
Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
01-February-2019
Highest Ever Growth Of 42% Recorded in Minimum Wages of Labours during last 5
years
During the last 5 years, the minimum wages of labours of all classes have been increased
by 42% which is the highest increase so far. While presenting the Interim Budget 2019-20
in Parliament today, the Union Minister for Finance, Corporate Affairs, Railways and Coal,
Shri Piyush Goyal said that the high growth and formalistation of the economy has led to
the expansion of employment opportunities as shown in EPFO membership, which has increased
by nearly 2 crore in 2 years reflecting formalisation of the economy and job creations.
Shri Goyal said that the 7th Pay Commission recommendations were implemented and New
Pension Scheme (NPS) has been liberalized. The Government’s contribution in NPS had been
increased 10% to 14%. The limit of gratuity payment has been increased from Rs. 10 lakh to
Rs. 20 lakh. The limit of eligibility cover of ESIC has been increased from Rs. 15,000 per
month to Rs. 21,000 per month. The minimum pension for all labours has been fixed at Rs.
1,000 per month. In case of the death of a labour during the service, the EPFO
contribution has been increased from Rs. 2.5 lakh to Rs. 6 lakh. The honorarium of all
classes of labours under Anganwadi and Asha scheme has been increased by about 50%.
Ministry of Labour &
Employment 98.38 Lakh Employees benefitted
through PMRPY
07 JAN 2019
Pradhan
Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY) was launched on 9th
August, 2016
with the objective to incentivise employers for creation of
employment.
Under the scheme, Government of India is paying Employer's full
contribution i.e. 12% towards EPF and EPS both (as admissible
from time
to time) w.e.f. 01.04.2018 for a period of three years to the
new
employees and to the existing beneficiaries for their remaining
period
of three years through EPFO. The terminal date for
registration of
beneficiary through establishment is 31st March, 2019.The scheme
is
targeted for employees earning upto Rs. 15,000 per month. This
scheme
has a dual benefit, where, on the one hand, the employer is
incentivised
for increasing the employment base of workers in the
establishment, and
on the other hand, these workers will have access to social
security
benefits of the organized sector. Number of Employees and
Establishments
benefitted as on 31.12.2018 is 98.38 lakh and 1.21 lakh
respectively.
State-wise employees, establishment benefited and amount of
subsidy
disbursed is at Annexure.
Annexure
Details from PMRPY Portal from inception till 31-Dec-
2018
<
/tr>
State
No. Of Establishment Benefited During
Period 01-Apr-2016 to 31-Dec-2018
No. Of Employees
Benefited During Period 01-Apr-2016 to 31-Dec-
2018
Subsidy Amount Disbursed During Period 01-Apr-2016
to 31-Dec-2018
ANDHRA
PRADESH
8646
780535
2422534115
ASSAM
365
8258
27780925
BIHAR
737
105355
474851209
CHANDIGARH
3612
155769
548215125
CHHATTISGARH
2473
102987
3591706
24
DELHI
5570
628772
2137927962
GOA
352
15343
42488134
GUJARAT
11763
857175
2748520825<
/td>
HARYANA
7067
823757
2633467270</
td>
HIMACHAL
PRADESH
2565
110997
340391679
JHARKHAND
1110
46635
133283018</
td>
KARNATAKA
7853
963140
3471298051
KERALA
3567
165120
892195708
MADHYA
PRADESH
4548
282474
1040402671
MAHARASHTRA
14193
1746468
547061
2241
ODISHA
2169
110975
358483871
PUNJAB
4760
161869
626154768
RAJASTHAN
7601
376834
1029095730
TAMIL
NADU
13527
1177433
3816056107
UTTAR
PRADESH
12556
689057
2528746729
UTTARAKHAND
2491
243977
64241631
9
WEST
BENGAL
3825
285416
787598144
121350
9838346
3253169122
5
This
information was given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar Union
Minister of
State (I/C) for Labour and Employment in written reply to a
question in
Lok Sabha today.
Scheme to partially reimburse employers for Maternity Benefits
02 JAN 2019
Government
is working on an Incentive Scheme wherein seven weeks wages shall be
reimbursed to employers who employ women workers and provide the
maternity benefit of 26 weeks paid leave, as provided for in the
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017.
To enable an entity to
avail of the incentive, the women employees working in their entity
should be a wage earner of less than Rs.15,000/- per month and a member
of Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) for at least one year
and not covered by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
A
meeting of Stakeholders' Consultation with representatives of concerned
Central Ministries, State Governments, Employers', Employees' etc. was
held on 14.11.2018 to discuss the matter. The Scheme was supported by
and large with the majority of stakeholders.
The scheme is
proposed to be administered after obtaining the approval of the
competent authorities. The Incentive is proposed to be funded from the
budgetary allocations. Government has not made any allocation for the
scheme during the current financial year.
This information was
given by Shri Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (I/C) for Labour
and Employment in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
