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India.com
a day ago
- Business
- India.com
10-Hour Work Rule?! Amid Employee Protests, Here's What Karnataka Govt Has To Say
Reported by Prashobh Devanahalli Bengaluru: The Karnataka government's proposal to extend daily working hours from 9 to 10 especially for employees in the IT sector has stirred strong reactions. Labour unions, including the Karnataka State IT/ITeS Employees Union (KITU), have slammed the idea, calling it 'modern digital slavery' and raising concerns over employee rights and work-life balance. KITU warned that such a shift would disrupt the existing three-shift system prevalent in tech companies, potentially replacing it with a two-shift structure. This could result in significant job losses, with up to one-third of workers at risk. The union also highlighted serious health and mental well-being implications, citing the sector's growing incidents of stress-related illnesses, burnout, and even suicides. 'This proposal undermines fundamental rights to personal time, health, and dignity at work,' said a KITU representative. 'It prioritises corporate convenience over human lives. We urge all IT and ITeS employees in Karnataka to stand together and oppose this in the strongest terms.' Clarification from Labour Minister In response to the backlash, Karnataka's Labour Minister, Shri Santhosh Lad, issued a detailed press release clarifying that the initiative to amend work-hour regulations was not introduced by the state government but was instead proposed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. According to the minister, the proposal stems from a task force constituted by the Central Government, led by Mr. Manoj Joshi, IAS, Secretary of the Department of Land Resources. This committee held consultations with Karnataka's Chief Secretary and senior state officials. The two key amendments proposed by the Centre are: 1. An increase in the maximum daily working hours from 9 to 10. 2. Raising the threshold for mandatory compliance under the Shops and Commercial Establishments Act to workplaces with 10 or more employees. These proposals were forwarded by the Labour Commissioner of Karnataka to the Secretary of the Labour Department on May 30, 2025. The Secretary is now conducting stakeholder consultations with employee unions, industry representatives, and legal advisors to examine the implications. 'To clarify, the proposed changes have been initiated by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The state is currently evaluating the matter through a consultative process,' said Shri Santhosh Lad. Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders A stakeholder meeting chaired by Labour Secretary Rohini Sindhuri was recently held at Vikas Soudha. Participants included representatives from labour unions, trade bodies such as FKCCI, hotel owners, and business leaders. While business owners welcomed the potential for operational flexibility and weekly offs, unions remained firmly opposed. 'We support the proposal if it guarantees two days off per week or additional compensation for extended work hours,' said P.C. Rao, President of the Bangalore Hotel Owners' Association. Sources suggest that a final decision is pending cabinet approval, and the proposed amendments may be tabled during the upcoming session of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly. As debates intensify, all eyes remain on the government's next steps and how it will balance economic imperatives with employee welfare in one of India's fastest-growing tech hubs.
India Gazette
11-06-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
11 years of PM Modi Government: Labour Ministry drives transformation in social security and welfare
New Delhi [India], June 11 (ANI): As the Government of India marks 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the Ministry of Labour and Employment highlights its key achievements in labour welfare, social security, and public healthcare. According to a release from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, three premier institutions in Hyderabad exemplify this transformation. The EPFO Regional Office, Barkatpura, has set new standards in service delivery through digital innovations, speedy claim settlements, and effective grievance redressal. With over 27 lakh accounts managed and 98 per cent of Pension on Higher Wages claims implemented, it stands as a national model of efficiency. At Sanath Nagar, the ESIC Medical College and Super Speciality Hospital has emerged as a leader in public healthcare and medical education. Equipped with over 1,000 beds and advanced diagnostics, the campus serves more than 72 lakh beneficiaries with IT-enabled, patient-centric services. Meanwhile, the Directorate General of Labour Welfare (DGLW) continues to uplift over 50 lakh unorganised workers through educational scholarships, healthcare assistance, and social protection, particularly in the Beedi, Cine, and mining sectors, the release added. To provide an in-depth, ground-level understanding of these success stories, the Ministry is organising a Press Tour to Hyderabad from 11th - 14th June 2025. Journalists will have the opportunity to interact directly with officials, beneficiaries, and frontline service providers. Through guided walkthroughs, live demonstrations, and presentations, media representatives will witness how 11 years of focused governance have resulted in tangible, people-centric outcomes in the labour sector, the release added. (ANI)
The Hindu
09-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Welfare and Cess Commissioner's office invites online applications for scholarship
The Office of the Welfare and Cess Commissioner, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has invited online applications for financial assistance for the academic year 2025–26. This initiative is aimed at supporting the education of children of Beedi, Cine, and Limestone, and Dolomite Mine workers. Eligible students studying in classes I to XII, as well as those enrolled in ITI, polytechnic, degree courses (including BSc Agriculture), and professional programmes can apply for the scholarship. Applications must be submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal at The deadline for Pre-Matric Scholarship applications is August 31, 2025, while the Post-Matric Scholarship applications can be submitted until October 31, 2025. For more information, applicants can contact the Bengaluru office on 080-22347749 or email wclwoblr-kar@
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
EPFO likely to allow instant PF withdrawals via UPI and ATMs from June 2025
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to revolutionize the way millions of employees access their provident fund (PF) savings. Starting June 2025, EPF members will be able to instantly withdraw PF funds via Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and ATMs, according to DD News. This major step is being implemented with the support of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and has already received approval from the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI). The new facility will also allow users to check their PF balance directly on UPI platforms and transfer funds to their bank accounts without delays. Instant PF withdrawals under EPFO 3.0 Currently, PF withdrawals involve submitting online claims followed by a waiting period for approval from EPFO field offices. This process can take several days or even weeks. However, the upcoming integration with UPI and ATMs is expected to make settlements instantaneous. Members will be allowed to withdraw up to ₹1 lakh instantly—especially helpful in emergencies. 'EPFO has made significant improvements in its digital infrastructure by integrating over 120 databases,' said Sumita Dawra, Secretary at the Ministry of Labour and Employment. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perdagangkan CFD Emas dengan Broker Tepercaya IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'These efforts have reduced claim processing time to just three days, with 95 per cent of claims now being processed automatically. Further upgrades are also in progress to make the system even more efficient.' Expanded withdrawal purposes Currently, the EPF scheme allows withdrawals for medical emergencies, housing, education, and marriage, but members must meet specific eligibility criteria and provide proper documentation. With the upcoming changes, the scope of permitted withdrawal reasons will be expanded, giving employees greater financial flexibility for key life events. In another significant development, pensioners under the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS) of 1995 will be able to access their pensions from any bank branch across India starting January 1, 2025. This means retirees will no longer be restricted to specific banks or branches. Even if a pensioner relocates or changes banks, pension disbursal will continue seamlessly through the Centralised Pension Processing System (CPPS), eliminating the need to transfer Pension Payment Orders (PPO) between offices. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Indian Express
28-05-2025
- Business
- Indian Express
EPFO head office flags ‘exceptionally high' rejection of higher pension applications
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) head office has written to its field formations flagging the 'exceptionally high' rejection of application vis-à-vis issuance of demand letters in the case of higher pension cases. The missive, dated May 23, has come after the Ministry of Labour and Employment instructions to the retirement fund body to undertake an audit for all such cases of rejection of higher pension applications. A total of 17.49 lakh applications were received for the higher pension option after the Supreme Court directed the EPFO to open a window for pensioners and members to apply for it. Out of the 17.49 lakh applications, 1.02 lakh applications were referred back to employers for complete information and demand letters were issued to 3.68 lakh applicants as of March 31 this year, an official told The Indian Express. Over 1 lakh pensioners have deposited the additional amount sought by the EPFO and over 47,000 members, who are still in service, have also deposited the higher amount, the official said. As per the data at the end of the previous financial year, the EPFO has issued over 34,500 pension payment orders (PPOs), out of which around 19,000 are in process, the official said. In its letter, the EPFO head office stated that it has received numerous grievances from stakeholders regarding the rejection of applications due to minor deficiencies that could have been rectified by employers if they had been provided with adequate guidance and opportunity to address them. 'Arbitrary rejections at various offices have resulted in a number of complaints and have made it difficult for the Head Office to respond effectively. Officers are advised to ensure that applications are processed strictly adhering to the guidelines and instructions provided by the head office. Rejections should be based on substantial and justifiable reasons, and applicants must be given adequate opportunity to rectify minor deficiencies in their submissions. Employers and employees should be adequately facilitated to comply with the requirements, thereby ensuring fair and efficient processing of applications,' the letter stated. The SC in a ruling on November 4, 2022 had upheld the amendments to the Employees' Pension (Amendment) Scheme, 2014, providing another chance for employees who were existing EPS members as on September 1, 2014, to contribute up to 8.33 per cent of their 'actual' salaries — as against 8.33 per cent of the pensionable salary capped at Rs 15,000 a month — towards pension. Applications that are complete with the required information are processed and demand letters issued by the EPFO indicate the additional due amounts to the pension fund. If the applicants for higher pension under EPS have the due amount available in their provident fund accounts maintained with the EPFO, then only a diversion is required. In cases where the due amount is not available with the EPFO, then it has to be deposited by the member directly or through the employer. In the letter sent last week, the EPFO head office also pointed out instances of rejections wherein the exempted provident fund trust rules did not contain any explicit bar on contribution to EPS 95 beyond wage ceiling or cases where the interpretation of the term 'wages' have been interpreted incorrectly. 'There are even references where the process of verification has been converted into a probing exercise to look out for justification for rejection of applications,' it said. The EPFO letter noted that the Ministry of Labour and Employment has asked the retirement fund body to carry out an audit by a specialised team of chartered accountants empanelled under Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG). The EPFO might also deploy its own audit teams to examine cases of rejection, especially those which are under litigation, it said, asking officers to review the cases and take necessary action. Earlier, in January this year, the EPFO head office in a letter to its field offices had said that despite issuance of several circulars and clarifications to facilitate the prompt disposal of higher pension applications, the 'overall progress remains below expectations due to delays in disposal of applications'. The EPFO head office had set fresh deadlines of January 24 and February 7 for its field offices to complete processing of the higher pension applications. 'For offices having less than 5,000 applications with joint options, the final deadline for completing the examination of all pending applications will be January 25, 2025. For all other offices the deadline is set for February 7, 2025. All clear cases for PPO issuance should be completed at all offices by January 24, 2025,' the EPFO chief had said in his letter. Nov-end 2024 Mar-end 2025 Demand letters issued 1.19 lakh 3.68 lakh Pension Payment Orders 16,282 34,500 Aanchal Magazine is Senior Assistant Editor with The Indian Express and reports on the macro economy and fiscal policy, with a special focus on economic science, labour trends, taxation and revenue metrics. With over 13 years of newsroom experience, she has also reported in detail on macroeconomic data such as trends and policy actions related to inflation, GDP growth and fiscal arithmetic. Interested in the history of her homeland, Kashmir, she likes to read about its culture and tradition in her spare time, along with trying to map the journeys of displacement from there. ... Read More
