Government of Goa is focussed on 100 per cent implementation of PM Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) in the State, emphasised Chief Minister Dr Pramod Sawant during an outreach programme organised by the Office of the Commissioner, Labour & Employment in collaboration with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Goa; as a part of the Seva Pakhwada campaign.
Dr Sawant urged the industrial employers to utilise the incentives via PM-VBRY by generating additional employment; while also asserting that Goans need to grab the job opportunities which might go to candidates from other states if the locals do not show any interest.
Dr Sawant cited today’s situation of job fair at Bicholim where he claimed over 300 jobs were available and less than 100 job-seekers had turned up; to counter the criticism based on Goan unemployment rate.
Various departments of the State and Central Government presented the details of the schemes and initiatives for the benefit of the employers and employees.
About PM-VBRY: The Scheme consists of two parts with Part A focussed on first-timers and Part B on employers.
Part A – Incentive to First-Time Employees:
Targeting first-time employees registered with EPFO, this Part will offer one-month EPF wage up to Rs 15,000 in two installments. Employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh will be eligible. The 1st installment will be payable after 6 months of service and the 2nd installment will be payable after 12 months of service and completion of a financial literacy programme by the employee. To encourage the habit of saving, a portion of the incentive will be kept in a savings instrument or deposit account for a fixed period and can be withdrawn by the employee at a later date.
Part B: Support to Employers:
This part will cover the generation of additional employment in all sectors, with a special focus on the manufacturing sector. The employers will get incentives in respect of employees with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh. The Government will incentivize employers, up to Rs 3000 per month, for two years, for each additional employee with sustained employment for at least six months. For the manufacturing sector, incentives will be extended to the 3rd and 4th years as well.
Establishments, which are registered with EPFO, will be required to hire at least two additional employees (for employers with less than 50 employees) or five additional employees (for employers with 50 or more employees), on a sustained basis for at least six months.
