Kolkata EPFO targets additional 1 lakh subscribers by March

Kolkata, March 9 (IANS) Driven by fresh enrollment from construction, jute industry and recruitment agencies, the regional office of Employee Provident Fund Organisation here is targeting one lakh additional subscribers by March end, an official said on Thursday.

"Despite a smaller target compared to other regions, Kolkata has already surpassed the target with active participation from the stakeholders.

"We are looking to bring in eligible workers from the building and construction sector. We are in discussion with employers and if they co-operate, we may cross the one lakh mark by March end," said Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Rajib Bhattacharya at an MCC Chamber of Commerce and Industry event.

Under the Employees' Enrolment Campaign 2017, which runs from January to March this year, the office, with the 46 lakhs subscriber base, has exceeded its target of adding 31,000 new subscribers.

Under the enrolment campaign, an employer, whether already covered or yet to be covered, can enroll employees who remained un-enrolled for any reason between April 1, 2009 to December 31, 2016 by making a declaration of such employees during the campaign period.

Across Bengal, the enrollment under the campaign reached close to 75 per cent as per the targets.

Nationally, the EPFO has been looking to add one crore subscribers to its base of 4 crore.

Other EPFO officials also said the proposal relating to lowering the mandatory contribution of employer in the construction sector from 12 per cent to 10 per cent is under consideration of the centre, could be implemented shortly and will bring it in line with industries like jute, brick, beedi etc., officials added.

(This story has not been edited by Social News XYZ staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)