EPFO outreach programme focus on PM-VBRY and MSME growth

An outreach programme on Employees’ Provident Funds (EPF) and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, along with associated schemes including the Employees’ Pension Scheme (1995) and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (1976), was held on September 8 at the conference hall, Directorate of Employment, Kohima. The programme was organised in association with the office of the Labour Commissioner, Government of Nagaland, with special emphasis on the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY).
Commissioner and secretary, Ministry of Labour & Employment, GoN, Sotsula, in her address, described EPF as a cornerstone of India’s social security system. She urged stakeholders to view EPF not merely as a compliance requirement but as a vital investment in workforce welfare. Highlighting the PM-VBRY scheme, she called for active collaboration between the state government and EPFO to extend coverage to unorganised sector workers in Nagaland.
Joint director, Industries & Commerce, K. Francis Hekavi, spoke on “MSME Development and Social Security: Unlocking Growth through EPF & PM-VBRY”. He noted that the scheme, with a budget outlay of Rs. 99,446 crore, aims to create 3.5 crore jobs in two years, focusing on first-time workers. He emphasised the role of MSMEs in employment generation and industrial growth, especially in small states like Nagaland.
Hekavi informed that Nagaland has 40,316 registered MSME units, with 99.53% under the micro category. He said the department has been proactive in promoting MSME schemes and infrastructure development, and expressed optimism that PM-VBRY would formalise more units and provide financial support to new workers through direct benefit transfers.
CDDO HR, IGAR (North), Assam Rifles, M.A. Farooqi, spoke on “Nation-Building through Discipline and Social Security: Insights from the Armed Forces”. He lauded EPFO’s role in ensuring financial protection and assured full support from Assam Rifles in spreading awareness on social welfare schemes.
The programme also featured a presentation on EPF schemes by Regional PF Commissioner-II, EPFO Dimapur, Samuel Das, and an address by Dr. T. John Jugli, Regional PF Commissioner-I, Zonal Office, NER. An interactive session with stakeholders followed, concluding with a vote of thanks.