The Labour Ministry has directed the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to enhance its IT infrastructure and capacity in preparation for the launch of the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme.
This initiative is part of a broader government effort to boost employment, as announced by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the Union Budget.
ELI Scheme: Overview
The ELI Scheme, announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, is one of three employment-linked schemes aimed at facilitating employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over five years with a central outlay of Rs 2 lakh crore.
The scheme aims to create over 2 crore jobs in the country over two years, significantly improving employment prospects.
A comprehensive review of the various attached offices and autonomous institutions of the Ministry of Labour and Employment was held on Tuesday, chaired by Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra.
During the review, the EPFO was asked to focus on preparations for the launch of the ELI Scheme.
This includes the preparedness of IT infrastructure and aspects related to capacity building, among others.
For the upcoming EPFO apex decision-making body Central Board of Trustees meeting on November 30, 2024, the EPFO was directed to be ready with various important aspects.
These aspects will be reported to the CBT members during the meeting.
Labour Ministry Addressing Pending Cases and Reforms
It was reiterated that the ministry, along with the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), will continue the drive for review and resolution of pending cases of Industrial Disputes.
They will also focus on resolving Claim cases.
Timely onboarding of inspection reports on the Shram Suvidha Portal was emphasized. Additionally, reviewing inspection formats to streamline processes was also highlighted.
A review of pendency in the Central Government Industrial Tribunal-cum-Labour Courts (CGITs) and bringing reforms through e-courts was also highlighted.
Judicial training of Central Labour Service (CLS) officers was emphasized.
This training addresses the development needs of tripartite constituents, including Central and State officers.
Trade Union Members, and Members of Employment organizations among others are also part of it.
Training institutes of the ministry, VV Giri National Labour Institute (VVGNLI) and Dattopant Thengadi National Board for Workers Education and Development (DTNBWED), were directed to review, rationalize, and monitor the existing training modules.
This was to be done in a time-bound manner, to align with contemporary requirements related to labour welfare and employment.
Labour Ministry Bureau Surveys and Employment Services
The Labour Bureau’s work on finalizing surveys such as the All India Quarterly Establishment-based Employment Survey (AQEES) was discussed.
Additionally, the progress of the Minimum Wage Committee was also reviewed.
Enhancements to the NCS portal were also emphasized.
Additionally, there is a focus on the convergence of NCS Centres for differently-abled individuals. This is being achieved with the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
ESIC has been urged to focus on constructing new medical colleges and procurement. Additionally, they should prioritize HR tasks and improving audit cells.
Enhancements in ESIC and ESIS Hospitals are also a priority.
Discussions included linking ESIC with Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) to strengthen healthcare services.
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