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 FundCommissioner Kashmir, Deputy P F Commissioner and All Assistant P FCommissioners of Kashmir division.
The Association headed by G.N. Var deliberated upon variousimportant issues regarding ease of compliance under Labour laws includingProvident Fund Act, Shops and Establishment Act, Maternity Act, Gratuity Actetc.
During the course of discussions, the president of theAssociation presented a memorandum of demands by the private schools of thestate before the Labour/Provident Fund Commissioner. The Association suggestedone-time registration under the Shops and Establishment Act, exemption ofteachers from gratuity act and exemption from “Form L” for the schools whichhave adopted the digital attendance system.
Further, the Association suggested that the benefits underthe Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme should be increased. Thedisability benefit shall be incorporated into the scheme to extend benefits tothe subscribers who acquire any disability during the course of job.
Commissioner impressed upon the Association that it mustmake honest efforts to bring defaulting private schools under the compliance ofthe Provident Fund Act as it is the only social security for employees ofprivate schools.
Commissioner assured that case-to case analysis of defaultingschools shall be made strictly as per prescribed rules with regard to thepossibility of instalment-wise deposition of default amount and relaxation ofdamages under the Provident Fund Act in case such schools start 100% complianceunder the act.
However, he said strict action shall be taken against thedefaulters including seizure/ attachment of bank accounts as nobody shall bedeprived from the benefits of social security under the Provident Fund Scheme.
Further Commissioner impressed upon the Association that theEmployees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIC) scheme be implemented in letter andspirit in private schools to provide medical benefits to the employees of suchschools.