Shillong: Labour and Employment Minister Methodius Dkhar has called for the expansion of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) coverage to all eligible businesses across Meghalaya. Speaking at a regional event in Shillong, Dkhar emphasized the necessity of bringing more workers into the formal employment sector to ensure they receive critical social security protections.
The Shillong programme, held at the NEIGRIHMS campus, coincided with a national launch of the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nationwide initiative from New Delhi, where he distributed Rs 2,400 crore in incentives to over 15 lakh beneficiaries. In Meghalaya, the event saw 408 participants, including government officials, employers, and 350 beneficiaries, gather to discuss the scheme.
As part of the proceedings, 15 new employees received their formal employment letters. This gesture marked their official entry into the organized workforce, granting them immediate access to state-backed social security benefits. Dkhar praised the Shillong EPFO regional office for conducting the outreach, stating that the minister "stressed the importance of bringing more workers under the ambit of formal employment and social security."
The PM-VBRY initiative is designed to boost job creation by offering direct financial incentives. Under the program, first-time employees are eligible for one month of wages up to Rs 15,000. Additionally, the scheme supports employers by providing incentives for two years for each new job created. The Shillong event provided a platform for employers and job seekers to clarify the scheme’s provisions and understand how these financial benefits can support long-term workforce stability.
Comments