Srinagar
Labour and Provident Fund Commissioner, Bashir Ahmad Khan, today held a meeting with Private Schools’ Association J&K.
The meeting was attended by the Additional Provident Fund Commissioner Kashmir, Deputy P F Commissioner and All Assistant PF Commissioners of Kashmir division.
The Association headed by G.N. Var deliberated upon various important issues regarding ease of compliance under Labour laws including Provident Fund Act, Shops and Establishment Act, Maternity Act, Gratuity Act etc.
During the course of discussions, the president of the Association presented a memorandum of demands by the private schools of the state before the Labour/Provident Fund Commissioner. The Association suggested one-time registration under the Shops and Establishment Act, exemption of teachers from gratuity act and exemption from “Form L” for the schools which have adopted the digital attendance system.
Further, the Association suggested that the benefits under the Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme should be increased. The disability benefit shall be incorporated into the scheme to extend benefits to the subscribers who acquire any disability during the course of the job.
Commissioner assured the president of Private Schools’ Association, J&K that the suggestions shall be examined and considered under rules. He impressed upon the Association that it must make honest efforts to bring defaulting private schools under the compliance of the Provident Fund Act as it is the only social security for employees of private schools.
Commissioner assured that case-to-case analysis of defaulting schools shall be made strictly as per prescribed rules with regard to the possibility of instalment-wise deposition of default amount and relaxation of damages under the Provident Fund Act in case such schools start 100% compliance under the act.
However, he said strict action shall be taken against the defaulters including seizure/ attachment of bank accounts as nobody shall be deprived from the benefits of social security under the Provident Fund Scheme. Further Commissioner impressed upon the Association that the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) scheme be implemented in letter and spirit in private schools to provide medical benefits to the employees of such schools.
