STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in Jammu conducted an awareness program titled Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, attended by key officials including Rizwan Uddin, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I, and Umesh Hiralal Borkar, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II.
The event took place at the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (Jammu Depot) Conference Hall in Channi Rama, Jammu, and attracted a wide range of stakeholders, including representatives from various oil companies and local businesses.
During the program, Rizwan Uddin briefed attendees on several initiatives under Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0. He emphasized important features such as E-Nomination, UAN Activation, KYC Updation, Aadhar Seeding, and the Online ECR Filing process. Uddin also highlighted the benefits of the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme and the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, which provide essential security to registered employees. A handholding session was included to assist employers in registering for digital signatures and filing ECR challans.
Umesh Hiralal Borkar elaborated on the New Employment Incentive Scheme, detailing its advantages for both employers and employees. This information was crucial for employers looking to enhance their understanding of social security benefits.
During discussions, several employers raised concerns regarding the EPFO processes. One employer questioned whether they needed to create new UANs for drivers who only worked short periods. In response, Sh. Rizwan Uddin clarified that the EPF and MP Act, 1952, applies from day one, and that workers retain the same UAN regardless of job changes. This flexibility helps streamline the process for both employers and employees.
L.M. Mohanty, DGM of IOCL, urged transport contractors to provide social security benefits to their drivers, emphasizing the importance of stability in their employment. Sh. Ramesh Lal from Batra Bros. praised EPFO schemes for relieving employers from having to manage advances for employees, as workers can directly apply for funds from EPFO.
Throughout the workshop, which lasted over an hour, Uddin actively addressed various grievances and offered guidance on PF-related queries. The interactive session allowed stakeholders to engage live, enhancing their understanding of the available solutions. Additionally, a similar program was conducted by Sh. Pritesh Parihar at the Rural Self-Employment Training Institute in Ladakh, ensuring that employees in both Jammu and Ladakh were informed about EPFO’s social security benefits, which have been effective since November 2019. Overall, the program fostered greater awareness and understanding of crucial social security measures among participants.
