PM Viksit Rojgar Yojana to boost employment in tea sector

In a major step towards accelerating employment generation in north Bengal, the Siliguri Regional Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched an awareness campaign for the newly-rebranded Prime Minister Viksit Rojgar Yojana (PMVRY), set to be implemented from 1 August.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, regional provident fund commissioner (RPFC) S N Jha said the scheme aims to create more than 3.5 crore jobs across India over the next two years, with a special focus on tea plantations, bidi industries, and the manufacturing sector in this region.

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“The PMVRY is a visionary step by the Cabinet Modi to boost job creation, enhance employability, and strengthen social security,” Mr Jha said, adding, “We have already held consultations with stakeholders in the tea sector and will engage with other industries in the coming days.”

With a substantial outlay of Rs 99,446 crore, the PMVRY will incentivize employers to create new jobs by providing financial support for hiring additional staff. Establishments registered under EPFO will be eligible for incentives upon hiring at least two new employees (for those with fewer than 50 employees) or five new employees (for those with 50 or more), with sustained employment of at least six months.

Mr Jha expressed optimism that the scheme will significantly boost employment in North Bengal, especially in labour-intensive sectors like tea plantations, which are vital to the region’s economy. He also mentioned that permission has been sought to initiate inspections in tea estates to assess employer contributions to EPF.

“This initiative is not just about numbers, but about empowering the workforce and supporting industries to grow. PMVRY can truly be a game-changer for employment in the region,” he added.