"Bridging Gaps and Empowering Workforce: Exclusive Insights with RPFC-1 Suyash Pandey on EPF Initiatives and Employment Growth"

 

Exclusive Interview with Suyash Pandey, RPFC-1, Noida: Insights on Employee Provident Fund (EPF) and New Employment Schemes

Satendra Singh: Welcome, Mr. Pandey! Today, we’d like to gain some insights on the functioning of the Provident Fund department and the recently announced Employee Linked Schemes. Could you please share more about how your department operates and the new schemes?

Suyash Pandey: Thank you, Mr. Singh! Currently, I oversee the Noida region. The Government of India operates three primary schemes under EPF: the Provident Fund Scheme, Pension Scheme, and Insurance Scheme. We provide our members with benefits both during their employment and post-retirement. All services, including PF withdrawals, are now easily accessible online. We have digitized our office and made the entire process paperless. From coverage to ECR uploading and returns filing, everything is done online. We are rapidly advancing towards becoming a fully digital e-office.

Our focus now is on enhancing the quality of services provided to our members. In Noida, we have strengthened our Public Relations Office (PRO) with a Self-Help Kiosk where members can access information themselves. Additionally, we have implemented a token system that allows members to generate a token from home, minimizing their waiting time at the office. This initiative will not only save time but also contribute to the country’s economic growth. We are also collecting feedback from members to identify and address any challenges they face, thereby continuously improving our services.

Satendra Singh: Could you tell us about the newly announced schemes?

Suyash Pandey: The recent budget introduced three new schemes aimed at boosting employment. The first scheme offers the government’s contribution towards the employer’s share for salaries up to ₹15,000 to incentivize job creation. The second scheme provides subsidies to companies that increase employment. The third scheme rewards employers for overall employment growth in their organizations. Our goal is to roll out these schemes by December 25th. We are currently gathering inputs from the Ministry of Labour and other stakeholders to ensure smooth implementation. We have held two meetings in our Noida office with various associations and unions to collect feedback and suggestions. We invite further suggestions through this platform as well, to ensure the schemes are designed and implemented effectively.

Since the schemes are still being formulated, we welcome any ideas that can help shape them for the benefit of both employees and employers.

Satendra Singh: We are also joined by Mr. Ravinder Kumar, Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner, who will shed light on the "Nidhi Aapke Nikat" initiative. Mr. Kumar, could you explain how this initiative benefits employees and employers?

Ravinder Kumar: The primary objective of “Nidhi Aapke Nikat” is to bring the EPF services closer to industrial clusters and listen to the grievances of both employees and employers. We conduct monthly camps on the 27th at various locations where we address issues like withdrawals, name corrections, death claims, and any other concerns. Our goal is to provide on-the-spot resolutions, and if not resolved the same day, we ensure it is addressed within three days. These camps help bridge the gap between the workforce and employers, making the EPF processes more accessible and transparent.

Satendra Singh: What types of issues do you typically address during these camps?

Ravinder Kumar: We handle all kinds of issues, from withdrawals to name changes and death claims. We aim for same-day resolution, and if it requires further attention, we ensure that it is resolved within three days. This proactive approach benefits both employees and employers by streamlining the process and reducing the burden on both parties.

Satendra Singh: It’s clear that through “Nidhi Aapke Nikat,” you serve as a vital link between employees and employers, helping resolve their concerns. Thank you very much for this valuable information!

Ravinder Kumar: Thank you! It’s our pleasure to serve and provide solutions that benefit the workforce and industry alike.