New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) conducted a country-wide consultation with its Zonal and Regional Offices, focusing on the Government’s recently announced Employment Linked Incentive Scheme. This scheme, which was introduced in the Union Budget 2024, aims to boost job creation and incentivize employment across various sectors.
As directed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, EPFO field offices held extensive discussions with a variety of stakeholder bodies, including trade unions, employers’ associations, industry chambers, and youth groups. These consultations aimed to gather feedback, suggestions, and queries regarding the scheme.
The meeting was chaired by Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Labour and Employment, and attended by senior officials from the Ministry, EPFO, and its field offices. During the discussions, key points of the scheme were clarified, and queries raised by stakeholders were addressed. Ministry officials provided detailed explanations on specific provisions of the scheme, which is nearing its final stages of approval.
Dawra emphasized the importance of field officers thoroughly understanding the scheme’s provisions and engaging in continuous dialogue with employers and employees. “The success of the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme depends on active participation and advocacy by the EPFO officers,” she said, urging the officers to champion the scheme and ensure it receives the necessary momentum.
The consultations are a crucial step in refining the scheme, ensuring that it meets the needs of employers while promoting employment growth. The final draft of the scheme will incorporate the suggestions and concerns raised by stakeholders during these deliberations.