EPFO Eyes Real-Time PM-VBRY Data & District Outreach

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is exploring options to provide states with real-time data for the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY). This initiative also aims to bolster district-level collaboration with industry and worker representatives, a proposal deliberated by the Central Board of Trustees (CBT).

The move seeks to widely implement the employment-linked incentive scheme across districts, with a detailed schedule for execution yet to be developed and communicated. Enhanced coordination is central to these efforts.

Boosting District-Level Collaboration

A key aspect of this proposal involves conducting district-level workshops designed to bring together various stakeholders. These workshops aim to foster direct engagement and streamline the implementation process on the ground.

• District industries officers will participate to ensure local industry alignment.
• EPFO and ESIC officials will provide regulatory and administrative support.
• Industry associations will represent employer perspectives and needs.
• Trade unions will articulate worker interests and concerns.

Discussions at the CBT meeting also touched upon implementing a demand-driven approach to skilling. This method aims to align training programs directly with industry requirements, ensuring relevance and employability.

• Industry associations would advise the government on specific skills needed.
• They would also guide the development of appropriate training syllabi.
• This approach enables workers to undertake short-term training tailored for jobs within particular industrial clusters.

Addressing Scheme Concerns

Despite the proposed enhancements, board members expressed several concerns regarding the PM-VBRY scheme’s current scope and accessibility. These issues highlight areas needing further attention for broader impact.

• The scheme’s sectoral coverage was a major point of discussion, with an apparent focus on manufacturing.
• Concerns were raised about the scheme neglecting other significant employment sectors like agriculture and construction.
• A mechanism was requested to allow employers with pending provident fund dues to access PM-VBRY benefits, as they are currently unable to participate.

Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana Overview

The PM-VBRY stands as an employment-linked incentive scheme with a clear objective. It is designed to stimulate job creation by encouraging employers to generate new positions and support first-time formal sector employees.

The scheme targets the creation of 35 million jobs over a two-year period. Its structure incentivizes businesses to expand their workforce, particularly bringing individuals into the formal economy for the first time.

Key Scheme Figures

Earlier reports provide specific data on the scheme’s reach and impact during a defined period. These figures illustrate the scale of its operation thus far.

• The scheme covered 6.26 million first-time employees.
• It facilitated 4.85 million additional jobs.
• These achievements involved 186,000 employers.
• The reported period for these figures was between August 2025 and June 2026.