getifyhr, Author at GetifyHR

Top 10 Proven Ways to Spot Lack of Employee Engagement

Introduction

The modern workplace is a vibrant environment that showcases the skills and attitudes of the employees.

Employee engagement is a strong measure of the health and performance of the organization. Engaged employees are just not showing up to work, they are interested, motivated, and very actively contributing to the success of the organization. Employee engagement is the cornerstone of organizational success. Engaged employees exhibit greater commitment and innovation in achieving the company’s goals and contribute to higher production.

Lack of employee engagement, on the other hand, is a silent but potent disruptor of the functioning of the organization. A lack of employee engagement can lead to decreased productivity, high turnover rates, and a negative work environment. Spotting signs of disengagement early on is crucial for addressing underlying issues and fostering a more positive workplace culture. Here are the top 10 proven ways to spot a lack of employee engagement:

1. Decreased Productivity:

One of the most evident signs of disengagement is a decline in productivity. When employees are disengaged, they may complete tasks at a slower pace or produce work of lower quality than usual. They may struggle to meet deadlines, the quality of their work suffers, and they show a lack of enthusiasm for completing their tasks.

2. Reduced or Minimal Effort:

Disengaged employees lack the enthusiasm to go the extra mile and tend to exert minimal effort in their work. They may do just enough to get by, lacking the motivation to go above and beyond their job requirements.

3. Lack of Initiative:

Engaged employees often take initiative and seek out opportunities to contribute to the organization’s success. Conversely, disengaged employees become passive and hesitant to make decisions. They may show a lack of initiative and wait to be told what to do rather than proactively seeking solutions or improvements.

4. Reduced Interaction:

Engaged employees typically engage in frequent communication and collaboration with their colleagues. A lack of employee engagement may manifest as reduced interaction, with employees withdrawing from team activities or avoiding social interactions.

5. Unwillingness to Learn:

Engaged employees display great eagerness to learn and develop their skills to advance their careers. Disengaged employees, on the other hand, may display an unwillingness to learn new tasks or acquire new knowledge, leading to stagnation in their professional growth. They show little or no interest in learning new skills or taking on additional responsibilities that would advance their career growth.

6. Deteriorating Relationships:

Disengaged employees tend to have a strained relationship with their co-workers. Disengaged employees may exhibit negative attitudes or conflicts with co-workers, leading to deteriorating relationships and a tense work environment.

7. Frequent Absenteeism:

Frequent Absenteeism is a sure sign that the employee is lacking engagement. Such disengaged employees tend to take too many days off as they lack the urge and motivation to come to work. They frequently call in sick or take unplanned leave and such excessive absenteeism can be a red flag indicating underlying issues with employee engagement.

8. High Turnover:

When employee disengagement grows unchecked, employee turnover tends to increase. Disengaged employees are more likely to seek fresh opportunities elsewhere, thus leading to increased turnover. This will push up the associated cost of recruiting and training new employees.

9. Negative Attitude:

Disengaged employees may exhibit a negative attitude toward their work, colleagues, or the organization as a whole. They may complain frequently, express cynicism, or demonstrate a lack of enthusiasm for their tasks.

10. Lack of Enthusiasm:

Finally, a lack of enthusiasm is a telltale sign of employee disengagement. Engaged employees are passionate about their work and demonstrate enthusiasm for achieving the company’s goals. Disengaged employees, on the other hand, may lack enthusiasm and show little interest in their job responsibilities.

Conclusion

The impact of disengaged employees on the functioning of the organization will be significant if it is not identified and corrective measures are not taken immediately. The top level management and HR team must recognize the signs of disengagement early and take proactive steps to re-engage the employees. By recognizing these ten proven indicators of lack of employee engagement—such as decreased productivity, reduced effort, and negative attitudes—organizations can take proactive measures to address underlying issues, boost employee morale, and foster a culture of engagement and excellence.

GetifyHR has been fully supportive in recognizing these signs early in all their client locations across the country. We provide ideal solutions in getting all employees on board so that the functioning of the organization is streamlined and the motivation and commitment of the employees are maintained for a highly engaged and productive workplace.

EPFO – Standard Operating Procedure for Joint Declaration

The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has brought about changes to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for receiving Joint Declarations for correcting mistakes in members’ Universal Account Number (UAN) profile, and employers’ EPF Accounts, and the procedure to be followed by the Field Office.

The notification to amend the SOP was released by the EPFO vide No: SU/2022/Rationalisation of work areas/Joint Declaration/17 dated 11-04-2024.

Purpose of the Amendment

The purpose of the amendment is to describe accurately and in detail the procedures of receipt of Joint Declaration for corrections in UAN profiles by the members and employers and the procedure to be followed by the field office in making these corrections. The proposed changes to SOP will make it easier and simpler to minimize both incompleteness and mismatches.

The changes would also ease the difficulties encountered in claim settlement due to data mismatches, especially in parameters such as:

Name
Gender
Date of Birth
Father’s Name/Mother’s Name
Relationship
Marital status
Date of Joining
Reason for Leaving
Date of Leaving
Nationality and
Aadhaar Number.

The SOP for Joint Declaration aims to streamline the process of rectifying discrepancies in member profiles, thereby reducing claim rejection and minimizing the risk of impersonation and fraud through the manipulation of UAN.

The process

The process entails a collaborative effort between the employees and the employers with due authentication by a process of Initiation, Verification, and Approval by the Field Office (FO).

1. Initiation

As and when a member files a Joint Declaration, it gets authenticated by the Employer. The submitted documents are then verified for accuracy by the designated Verifier within the FO.

2. Verification

The modification request and supporting documents are then cross-checked by the designated Verifier to ensure compliance with EPFO guidelines and regulations.

3. Approval

Upon verification, the JD is forwarded to the designated Approver for approval. This could be the Regional Provident Fund Commissioners (RPFC), Additional Provident Fund Commissioners (APFC), or other authorised officers of the organization.

List of acceptable documents that can be submitted for the different parameters

Name and Gender

Aadhaar (mandatory)
Passport
Death Certificate
Birth Certificate
Driving License
Service photo identity card issued by Central, State, UT Govt./PSU/ Banks
School Leaving Certificate (SLC) or School Transfer Certificate (TC) or SSC certificate or Mark Sheet issued by Board/ University containing name and photograph.
Bank passbook having the name and Photograph cross-stamped by the Bank Official.
PAN Card/e-PAN
Ration/PDS Photo Card
Voter ID/e-Voter ID
Pensioner Photo Card/Freedom Fighter Photo Card
CGHS/ECHS/Medi-Claim Card with Photo issued by State/Central Govt/PSUs/Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY) Card.

Date of Birth

Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths.
School Leaving Certificate (SLC) or School Transfer Certificate (TC) or SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth or Marksheet issued by any recognized Government Board or University.
Service records certificate issued by the Central/State Government Organizations.
Where proof of date of birth is not available, a Medical Certificate issued by a Civil Surgeon after medical examination of the member and supported with an affidavit on oath by the member duly authenticated by a Competent Court.
Aadhaar
Passport
PAN Card
Central/State Pension Payment order
CGHS/ECHS/Medi-Claim Card issued by Central/State/UTs Govts./PSUs having Photo & Date of Birth.
Domicile Certificate issued by the Government.

Father / Mother name, and Relationship

Passport of Father/Mother
Ration card/PDS Card
CGHS or ECHS/ Medi-Claim Card with photo issued by Central/ State Govt./PSUs.
Pension Card
Birth Certificates issued by Municipal Corporation, and other notified local Government bodies like Taluk, Tehsil, etc.
Marriage Certificate issued by the Government.
Photo ID card issued for schemes like Bhamashah, Jan-Aadhaar, MGNREGA, ARMY Canteen Card, etc., by Central/ State Govt.

Marital Status

Marriage Certificate issued by the government
Aadhaar Card
Divorce Decree
Passport.

Date of Joining

Employee register
Attendance register
Appointment letter or any other document as establishments maintain under any central or State Labour Act
Letter of establishment on the letterhead duly signed by the Employer or the Authorized Signatory showing the date of joining, supported by ECR of the employee during the said period.

Reason for Leaving

Resignation letter
A letter from the organization on their letterhead clearly stating the reasons for leaving, supported by the ECR of the employee during the said period.
Termination letter issued by the employer to the employee.
Any document as the organization deems fit to establish the reason for exit of the employee duly signed by the Employer or the authorized signatory of the organization on their letterhead.

Date of Leaving

Resignation letter/termination letter
Experience certificate or any other document an organization maintains under any Central or State Labour Act
Wage slip/salary slip/full and final letter
Letter of organization on their letterhead clearly stating the date of joining and duly signed by Employer or the authorized signatory.

Nationality

Copy of Passport
Copy of Person of Indian Origin (PIO) card issued by the Govt. of India
Long Term Visa (valid) along with a Foreign passport (valid or expired) of country of origin issued to minority communities of Pakistan, Afghanistan and Bangladesh, namely Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, and Parsis.
Valid Visa issud to a Foreign National along with a valid Foreign Passport.
Tibetan Refugee Card (supported by one more ID)

Aadhaar

Member Aadhaar card or e-Aadhaar card with details of linked active mobile phone.

Submission of Documentary Proof

All changes to parameters have been classified into Minor and Major changes and these have been detailed in Table 2 of the SOP.

All requests for Minor or Major corrections will have to be supported by documentary proof as prescribed in Annexure 1. For Minor corrections, at least 2 documents from the list of documents mentioned in Annexure 1 for that particular parameter are required to be submitted. For Major corrections, at least 3 documents from the list of documents mentioned in Annexure 1 for that particular parameter are required to be submitted.

Frequency of Corrections

The SOP has fixed the frequency at which corrections to various parameters can be made through the Joint Declaration Form. The same is tabulated hereunder:

Sl. No.	Parameters	No.of times changes can be made
1.	Member Name	1
2.	Gender	1
3.	Date of Birth	1
4.	Father/Mother Name	1
5.	Relationship	1
6.	Marital Status	2
7.	Date of Joining	1
8.	Date f Leaving	1
9.	Reason for Leaving	1
10.	Nationality	1
11.	Aadhaar	1

The Procedure

The EPFO has streamlined the process of updating profile parameters by embracing digital technology thus making it accessible through the online platform. The process is simple and both the employees and employers alike can leverage the power of digital technology to submit the JD online.

Firstly, log on to the EPFO website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/. Then log into the Employee login using the Universal Account Number (UAN) and the Password. Employers can use their EPF credentials to log in. After logging in, click on the “Online Services” option on the portal and look for the Update or Correct EPF details, and select the Joint Declaration Form (JDF). Once the Form opens, fill in the required details accurately and ensure that all the details called for are filled in. Depending on the parameter that you are updating or changing, upload the supporting documents.

Next, submit the Form after fully verifying that the details provided by you are correct. After submission, you can track the status of the Joint Declaration Form submission through the EPFO portal and ensure that the processing is taking place and the details are fully updated.

Once the changes are approved, the member’s photo which is retrieved by the EPFO interface with UIDAI Aadhaar data will become visible in the member profile on their portal and the IT interface of various authorities.

Conclusion

Through this highly efficient and structured process, EPFO not only aims to maintain the profile integrity of the member but also hopes to minimize claim rejections and reduce the risk of impersonation and fraud. By leveraging technology through the Unified Portal Application, EPFO endeavors to enhance transparency, streamline efficiency, and usher in greater accountability in its operations. EPFO’s commitment to providing the best of technology for the benefit of employees and employers alike demonstrates a step towards a brighter and more streamlined future on social security and the management of EPF Accounts.

GetifyHR has been fully supportive of the needs of the employees and employers in handling EPF, and we have always updated ourselves immediately on all the changes brought in by EPFO from time to time. We are fully geared to handle these changes and support our clients and through them the employees in all aspects of EPF.

What is the Life Certificate in PF and what are all its uses?

All Central and State Government employees are eligible to receive Pension on retirement at the age of 58. The benefit was not available to employees in the private sector. However, the Government of India, with the view to support the employees in the private sector legislated the Employees Provident Act in the year 1952. Controlled by the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), the scheme envisages providing benefits to the employees in the private sector that they hitherto had no access to. One such scheme under the EPF Act is the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) which was launched in the year 1995 by EPFO to enable retirees in the private sector to get regular pension after retirement at the age of 58.

All pensioners, whether they are pensioners of the Private Sector, Central Government, the State Government or members of any Government Organization are eligible to receive pension upon retirement at the age of 58. These pensioners are required to submit an Annual Life Certificate (ALC) to the authorised Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA) like the authorized Banks, Post Office for further continuation of the pension. This certificate has to be submitted in the month of November for receiving pension. The ALC has to be submitted in the form prescribed in Annexure XIII of CPAO Booklet Scheme, 2021. However, in case of pensioners of the age of 80 years or above, the Life Certificate can be submitted from 1^st October onwards.

In order to get the Certificate the pensioner has to either personally present oneself before the Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA) or have it delivered to the Agency through the authority where they have served earlier. This procedure was causing a lot of hardship to the pensioners, especially for the aged and infirm pensioners who cannot present themselves always before the agency to secure the ALC. Moreover, many employees post retirement choose to move to different locations either to be with the family or for some other reasons. This would pose a lot of hardship in getting the ALC from the Agency and adversely affect the receipt of pension in the subsequent months.

To overcome this problem, the Government initiated the Digital Life Certificate for Pension Scheme also known as the Jeevan Pramaan. This scheme addresses this problem by digitising the entire process of generating the Life Certificate. Jeevan Pramaan is a Biometric enabled digital service for Pensioners that streamlines the entire process and makes it easier and hassle free for pensioners. Pensioners of the Private Sector, Central Government, State government and any other Government Organization can take benefit of this facility. By this process the presence of the pensioner before the Pension Disbursing Agency is done away with thus benefitting the pensioner and also cutting down on unnecessary logistical hurdles.

How it Works?

Jeevan Pramaan uses the Aadhaar Platform for Biometric authentication of the Pensioner. On successful completion of the authentication, the Digital Life Certificate is generated. This gets stored in the Life Certificate Repository, which again can be accessed by the PDA online.

How to Register?

Pensioners have to register first to receive the Jeevan Pramaan Patra or Life Certificate. They can approach the nearest Citizen Service Center (CSC), Banks or Government Offices to register. The filled in application has to be submitted here and the Biometric authentication using the Aadhaar will be conducted. Once this is successful, a Jeevan Pramaan ID will be generated.

Alternately you can download a Mobile App or PC App to register online from the official website https://jeevanpramaan.gov.in. For this purpose you will require Internet and STQC Certified Biometric Device.

The Jevan Pramaan Application can be downloaded from the official website. Click on the download option to provide your email ID, Captcha and click on “I agree to Download”. Enter the OTP that you receive in your email and click on “Download for WindowsOS”. You will receive the download link in your email. Click on this link and a Zip file containing the Jeevan Pramaan application will get downloaded. You can unzip this file and follow the instruction provided in the client installation document.

Once the Jeevan Pramaan ID has been generated, the pensioner needs to connect to the Portal once again using another OTP. Next he/she has to select “Generate Jeevan Pramaan” and enter the Aadhaar and mobile number. Click on the generate OTP option and enter the OTP number that you receive on your email or mobile. You will also be required to input the Pension Payment Order (PPO) number, the name of the Disbursing Agency, your name and a few other required information.

On successful completion of this operation, an SMS acknowledgement is sent to your mobile number including your Jeevan Pramaan Patra or Certificate. The Certificate is stored in the Life Certificate Repository and is available anytime and anywhere for the Pensioner and the Pension Disbursing Agency (PDA).

This scheme is not available to remarried or re-employed pensioners. They are required to submit the Annual Life Certificate in the conventional way to the Pension Disbursing Agency.

Conclusion

The Jeevan Pramaan Patra effectively addresses the problems faced by the Pensioners who have to present themselves in person at the Pension Disbursing Agency every year to continue getting their pension dues. Under this scheme the pensioners have the option to generate Jeevan Pramaan Patra, either online or via a mobile app. By using Jeevan Pramaan, a pensioner can now digitally provide proof of his/her existence to the authorities for continuity of pension every year, instead of requiring appearing in person before the Pension Disbursing Agency. By employing biometric authentication to authenticate the pensioner’s identity, the scheme effectively prevents fraudulent activities.

This is a great boon to all beneficiaries and we at GetifyHR have been assisting our clients and their employees who have retired in effectively generating a vital document like the Annual Life Certificate.

How Human Resource activities can boost Work Culture?

The success of any organization wholly rests with the Human Resources Management team. Where the focus is to achieve the objectives of the organization, clear procedures have to be followed and this entails adopting and implementing rules and procedures that promote employee engagement and well-being. The HR team recruits and helps keep talent so that greater productivity is achieved by enabling a positive workplace culture.

The efficiency of the HR team fosters open communication and this not only helps in creating a positive work culture but also strengthens the bond between the Management and the Employees. In this article, we explore the strategies implemented by the HR team to boost workplace culture.

What is Work Culture?

Your work culture is the shared set of practices that guide your organization. These include your values, your beliefs, and your attitudes as reflected in the way you respond to your employees and customers. Work culture has a direct bearing on the types of candidates you attract for various open positions in your organization. A strong and positive work culture boosts productivity, reduces employee turnover, and improves employee engagement.

Work culture is a vital part of the organization’s core culture. It is prone to grow and change according to the circumstances and is, therefore, different from the organization’s core values which largely remain the same over time.

What is the Importance of Work Culture?

A positive work culture will strongly impact employee experience. It will have an impact on individual and team morale, employee engagement, and job satisfaction. A positive workplace culture creates a loyal and strong team of employees. On the other hand, a negative work culture promotes a toxic workforce that can curtail the growth of the organization and make it difficult to hire talent and retain them. Surveys have shown that positive company values and culture rank as the top influence on whether a candidate decides to accept a job offer. On the contrary, poor company culture is the main reason for employees to leave their jobs.

Factors that help in developing work culture?

Several factors help in developing a positive work culture. Let’s look into some of these:

A supportive leadership.
A feeling of being respected.
Whether the actions of leaders align with the core values.
Proper benefits, perks, and amenities.
Learning opportunities.
Opportunity for professional development.
Job security.
Frequency and quality of reorganization.

What are the strategies needed by HR to create a positive work culture?

Exceptional Onboarding Experience:

Provide an exceptional onboarding experience to new hires. A well-designed onboarding process is crucial for integrating new hires into the organization’s culture. HR can streamline the transition by providing comprehensive orientation, introducing company values, and fostering smooth relationships with colleagues.

Competitive Compensation:

The best way to attract and retain the best of talent is by providing fair and competitive compensation packages. HR can develop and implement competitive compensation and benefit packages that encourage and retain the best of talent. They play a vital role in benchmarking salaries, assessing market trends, and ensuring that employees feel valued for their contributions.

Team Building Activities:

Encourage team-building activities in your organization. HR-initiated team-building activities promote camaraderie, collaboration, and trust among employees. In an organization that oversees a distributed team, the biggest challenge is to establish genuine connections. By organizing regular team building activities the HR can help bring that “human” touch back to your workplace. These activities can range from informal gatherings to structured workshops aimed at enhancing teamwork and communication.

Promote Recognition:

Recognizing and rewarding employees for outstanding results would boost morale and motivation. This would encourage employees to continue performing at impressive levels and make them feel valued within the organization. This will act as a motivation to their peers to improve their performance, thus enhancing work culture and fostering friendly competition that leads to better performance. HR can implement recognition schemes, including employee of the month awards, peer-to-peer recognition, and milestone celebrations.

Collecting Feedback:

Collecting employee feedback is one of the most effective engagement initiatives. Regular feedback mechanisms, such as surveys and suggestion boxes, enable HR to gauge employee sentiment and identify areas for improvement. Actively listening to employee feedback demonstrates a commitment to their well-being and fosters a culture of continuous improvement.

Prioritize Welfare Programs:

The priority is to create a healthy work-life balance and the HR team must maintain the mental and physical health of the employees for better retention. When individuals are tired, stressed, or on the verge of burnout, they cannot be expected to perform at their best. HR plays a vital role in prioritizing employee welfare by offering benefits such as health insurance, wellness programs, flexible work arrangements, and family-friendly policies. These initiatives enhance employee satisfaction and promote work-life balance.

Improve Communication:

A healthy work culture can be brought in only with effective communication. Clear and open communication is the key to the success of any team and this is especially true for HR teams. In most organizations, HR is the main point of communication between the top management and the employees. HR can facilitate transparent communication channels, provide regular updates on organizational changes, and encourage open dialogue between management and employees.

Training and Development:

Investing in employee development through training courses and professional development programs demonstrates a commitment to individual growth and skill enhancement. HR can give employees the chance to update their knowledge and skills through training and development programs. This will enable the employees to feel appreciated, improve job satisfaction, and inspire them to work to their maximum potential. HR can identify training needs, organize workshops, and provide resources to support ongoing learning.

Accept New Technology:

The workplace is ever-evolving and continues to change at great speeds. New processes disrupt proven ways of completing jobs and new-generation employees come with different expectations and behaviors. Every organization is prone to the effects of change, in both technology and process. Embracing technology innovations streamlines processes, enhances productivity, and fosters a culture of innovation. HR can champion the adoption of new tools and platforms that improve workflow efficiency and facilitate remote collaboration.

Employment Engagement Survey:

Employment Engagement is a concept that highlights how the employees feel towards an organization and how their feelings translate into actions and behaviors at work. An employee engagement strategy is, therefore, the steps you take to build positive engagement at work.

Conducting regular engagement surveys allows HR to assess employee satisfaction levels, identify areas of concern, and implement targeted interventions. These surveys serve as valuable tools for measuring the effectiveness of HR initiatives and fostering a culture of continuous feedback and improvement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, human resource activities play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing work culture. By prioritizing elements such as onboarding experiences, competitive compensation, team building, recognition, feedback collection, welfare programs, communication improvement, training and development, technology adoption, and engagement surveys, HR can foster a positive and productive work environment conducive to organizational success. Investing in work culture isn’t just a choice – it’s a strategic imperative for businesses aiming to thrive in today’s competitive landscape.

At GetifyHR, we have invested our time and effort in enhancing the work culture at different client locations across the country, with the sincere support of the HR teams. We have been able to provide regular updates and ideas to streamline the process so that employees have access to the best practices and technology that not only improves the work culture but also enhances productivity.

10 Best Employee Training Methods and Techniques

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving corporate landscape, organizations are realizing the significance of investing in employee training and development. It not only enhances individual skills but also improves overall organizational performance. With the advent of technology, various training methods and techniques have emerged to cater to diverse learning needs. This article explores the top 10 employee training methods and techniques that have proven to be highly effective.

1. E-Learning

E-learning, a popular training method, involves the use of electronic devices and online platforms to deliver educational content. E-learning has become one of the most widely used employee training methods, especially in the post-pandemic world where work-from-home has become the norm and employees can’t attend in-person training sessions. It offers flexibility, self-paced learning, and extensive accessibility, making it ideal for remote employees or those with busy schedules.

One-line training sessions keep the employees engaged and enhance their retention power as they combine interactive games, quizzes, gamification, and other activities. It gives employees the freedom to learn on the go with their smartphones. Apart from being interactive, the components can be automated thus reducing usage of time and lowering overhead costs. E-learning is also scalable, giving it the freedom to be upgraded as and when needed.

2. On-Job Training

On-job training is a hands-on approach where employees learn by performing tasks under the guidance of experienced colleagues. It provides practical knowledge, promotes skill development, and helps new hires integrate into the company culture.

On-job Training enables the active participation of employees by allowing them to learn as they work. This is one of the most effective methods to train employees in a new process. It offers faster user adoption of tools and features and provides better results as it is easier for employees to learn while they are working on a project themselves.

On-job Training also saves money that would otherwise be spent on costly off-site training programs. It enables employees to acquire new skills without disrupting their daily schedule and be productive and also facilitates employees to focus on skills that are most relevant to their jobs.

3. Instructor-Led Training

Instructor-led training (ILT) is a traditional method that involves a trainer delivering content to a group of employees. It facilitates direct interaction and immediate feedback, fostering better understanding and collaboration among participants. It mimics the physical classroom with an instructor present to lead the training session. This training uses a lecture-style presentation with the support of visual components.

In this form of training, there is direct interaction between the trainer and employees, thus preventing social isolation.

All questions and doubts that arise during the session are responded to quickly and effectively. This is a very effective method to impart complex knowledge that needs personal guidance.

4. Role Playing

Role-playing encourages employees to simulate real-life scenarios, allowing them to develop problem-solving skills, improve communication, and enhance their ability to handle challenging situations. It promotes active learning and boosts confidence.

In this form of training, both the learner and the trainer act out their roles in a potential workplace scenario. This method is highly effective for employees whose job roles include direct interaction with the client or customers.

Role-playing boosts employee engagement and encourages the learner to utilize problem-solving and critical-thinking skills at the right moment. It also prepares employees to handle critical work scenarios and improves employee-customer interaction skills.

5. Coaching

Coaching is a personalized training technique where an experienced professional guides and mentors employees to help them achieve specific goals. It focuses on individual growth, skill enhancement, and performance improvement through regular feedback and support.

This method allows employees to ask questions that they may not feel comfortable asking in a regular classroom session during an instructor-led training session. The employees learn by watching the performance of their mentor in real time. Coaching helps to strengthen the relationship between the employees.

6. Peer-to-Peer Training

Peer-to-peer training involves knowledge sharing among employees within an organization. It fosters collaboration, builds camaraderie, and enables individuals to learn from their peers’ experiences and expertise.

Peer-to-peer learning is a mutual learning technique that involves employees of the same level engaging in collaborative learning.

This technique allows employees to work through new concepts and share ideas with their peers working on the same project. This method provides an opportunity to teach and be taught by one another, and is, therefore, an effective way for organizations to enhance productivity with a stronger workforce.

Peer-to-peer learning encourages greater connectivity, collaboration, and teamwork among the employees. It enhances employee engagement and helps boost productivity. It also promotes the sharing of knowledge within the organization.

7. Gamification

Gamification incorporates game elements, such as competition, rewards, and challenges, into the learning process. It increases engagement, motivation, and knowledge retention by making training interactive and enjoyable. It engages learners and makes them more willing to take on repetitive tasks despite the risk of failure, by leveraging psychology.

Gamification encourages the learner to achieve the learning objective thereby increasing engagement and completion rates. The learner receives instant feedback as they progress through the game. To boost employee motivation, they are provided with badges or rewards as they proceed through the game.

8. Case Studies

Case studies present real-life scenarios for analysis and discussion. They encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. By examining past situations, employees can gain valuable insights and apply them to their work.

In this method, employees are presented with a real or fictional complex situation to analyze and use as a reference for arriving at their solutions. While the cases may vary in complexity and detail, learners should be provided with adequate data to analyze the situation and come up with their solutions. Case studies enhance data analytical, decision-making, and problem-solving skills. When employees constantly work on case studies, they gain confidence to handle similar situations in real life. It encourages employees to think outside the box.

9. Mobile Learning

Mobile learning, also known as m-learning, leverages the convenience of mobile devices to deliver training content anytime, anywhere. It enables employees to access bite-sized modules, quizzes, and videos on their smartphones or tablets.

Mobile learning utilizes familiar technology promoting higher engagement and comfort, and the content is delivered in a variety of forms such as podcasts, videos, and quizzes or in an e-learning format that helps to increase engagement and boosts knowledge retention.

10. Collaborative Training

Collaborative training involves group activities and projects where employees work together to achieve common objectives. It encourages teamwork, communication, and the exchange of ideas, fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Collaborative training enhances the overall training experience for employees by capitalizing on their skills, ideas, and knowledge. It encourages a shared learning culture by building a work atmosphere where team members are constantly collaborating. This type of training reduces time investment and costs and promotes knowledge retention.

Conclusion

In conclusion, employee training is a crucial investment for organizations seeking to stay competitive in today’s dynamic business environment. By incorporating a combination of all these training methods, companies can ensure the development of a highly skilled workforce capable of driving success.

Investing in employee training is not just an expense; it is a strategic advantage that propels companies toward growth and innovation. We at GetifyHR have been fully supportive of all these activities and many more at our client locations to enhance the performance of their employees and create a strong and committed workforce that propels growth.

EPF Act – Family Cover through EDLI and its benefits!

Introduction

The Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is one of the two main Social Security schemes under the Government of India, the other being Employees State Insurance (ESI). The EPFO comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is responsible for the regulation and management of Provident Funds in the country. The EPFO manages and administers the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Employees Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI).

EDLI

All the members of the EPFO are covered under the insurance scheme known as EDLI or Employees Deposit Linked Insurance. In this article, we explain the key features of the scheme, eligibility, and benefits of the scheme.

The EDLI scheme was launched in the year 1976 to provide insurance cover to members of the EPFO. Through this scheme, the family of a member gets financial assistance in the case of the death of the member while in service. The insurance cover will depend on the salary drawn in the last 12 months of employment before death.

Under this scheme, there is no exclusion.

EDLI Contribution

The employees and employers contribute to the EPFO scheme and this contribution is split among the three schemes namely, Employees Provident Fund (EPF), Employees Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI). There is no contribution from the Employees towards the EDLI scheme, whereas, the employee contribution is 0.5% of the Basic salary + DA, subject to a maximum of Rs:75/-. Eligibility kicks in only when the member has continuously worked for 1 year and is an active member of the EPF.

EDLI Calculation

The average salary drawn by the deceased member during the 12 months before death is taken for calculation of the EDLI benefit. 35 times the average salary in the last 12 months is taken for the calculation, subject to a maximum salary that is capped at Rs:15,000/-. The calculation is as follows:

35,000 x 15,000 = Rs: 5,25,000/-

To this amount, an additional bonus amount of Rs:1,75,000/- is added taking the total amount payable to Rs:7,00,000/-.

Eligibility to claim the EDLI Benefits

The insurance benefits can be claimed by the family members, legal heirs, and nominees of the member.

– Member of the family nominated by the member under the EPF scheme

– In case a nomination has not been made, all the members of the family except major sons, married daughters with major sons, and married granddaughters.

– In case there is no family and no nomination, then legal heirs.

– In the case of a minor, the guardian/family member/legal heirs.

Forms Required

To claim the insurance, the nominee, legal heir, and family member have to apply in EDLI Form 5 IF. The claim form has to be filled separately by each claimant and if the claimant is a minor, the guardian has to fill the form on his/her behalf.

The form has to be filled offline and has to be submitted to the regional EPF Commissioner’s Office along with the Death Certificate issued by the Employer, mentioning the date of death of the member. The Form should also mention the mode of fund transfer.

How to claim EDLI benefits?

The member should have been an active member of EPF at the time of death.
Form 5 IF has to be filled and submitted to the EPF Commissioner to get the insurance benefit.
The form has to be signed and certified by the employer.
Where there is no employer, the form has to be attested by any of the following officials:

– A gazetted officer

– The District Magistrate

– Member of Parliament or MLA

– President of the Village Panchayat

– Chairman/Secretary/Member of the Municipal or District Local Board

– Postmaster or Sub-Postmaster

– Regional Committee of EPF or Member of CBT

– Manager of the Bank in which the account is maintained.

Documents required for claiming EDLI

- Death Certificate of the Member
- Guardianship Certificate if a person other than the natural guardian files the claim on behalf of a minor family member/nominee/legal heir.
- Succession Certificate in case the legal heir makes the claim
- A copy of the canceled cheque of the Bank account to which the payment has to be made.
- Where the member was last employed under an establishment that is exempted under the EPF Scheme, the employer of such establishment should furnish the PF details of the last 12 months under the certificate part and also submit an attested copy of the Member Nomination Form.

The EPF Commissioner is liable to settle the claim within 30 days failing which he is liable to pay interest @ 12% per annum from the stipulated date to the actual date of settlement.

The EDLI Scheme under the EPF Act provides critical support to the family members of a member who has died while in service. The family members, nominees, and legal heirs are eligible to get a maximum of ₹ 7,00,000 in the event of the death of the member in service. This is a great boon to the family at a very critical juncture.

GetifyHR has been able to provide strong support to clients across the country through its Payroll and HR management outsourcing module. This has provided our clients with a strong edge and helped them to improve the overall performance of the company. Through this outsourcing module, the entire gamut of Payroll processing and HR Management are handled seamlessly and efficiently. This has not only enhanced the performance of the company but has also ushered in a more harmonious work atmosphere.

What is the Labour Welfare Fund and what are its benefits?

Introduction

The Labour Welfare Fund is an initiative by the Government of India to extend a measure of social assistance to employees in the unorganized sector. It is a kind of financial assistance for workers to improve their working conditions and standard of living.

Out of the 36 states and Union Territories, only 16 States/UTs have so far implemented this Act. As per the Act, the employees and employers contribute towards this Fund, and in some states, the state also contributes. Since the Fund is managed by independent states, the rules vary from one state to another. Any business/industry that satisfies the criteria of number of employees required by the Act to come under its purview has to register with the concerned Labour Department of the state.

Eligibility

In Tamil Nadu, if a company has 5 or more employees on its payroll then it has to register with the Labour Department. In Kerala, it is 2 or more employees and in Gujarat, it is 10 or more employees. Each State/UT has its own rules to become eligible for registration.

The Act is not applicable to all categories of employees, and depends on the wages earned and the designation of the employees. Those employees who are in the managerial or supervisory position and drawing salary that is more than what is stipulated in the Act are not eligible for the Fund. This will vary from state to state.

States/UTs that have implemented the LWF Act

The following States and Union Territories have implemented the Labour Welfare Fund Act:

Andhra Pradesh
Chandigarh
Chattisgarh
Delhi
Goa
Gujarat
Haryana
Karnataka
Kerala
Maharashtra
Madhya Pradesh
Odisha
Punjab.
Tamil Nadu
Telengana
West Bengal.

States/UTs that have not implemented the LWF Act

The following States and Union Territories have not implemented the Labour Welfare Fund Act:

Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Arunachal Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
Daman and Diu
Himachal Pradesh
Jammu and Kashmir
Jharkhand
Lakshadweep
Manipur
Megalaya
Mizoram
Nagaland
Pondicherry
Rajasthan
Sikkim
Tripura
Uttar Pradesh

Amount of Contribution

The amount of contribution also varies from state to state. The following table provides details of the contribution period, contribution amount and due dates for remittance of the contribution.

State/UT	Contribution regularity	Contribution Months	Employee Contribution	Employer Contribution	Contribution Total	Return & Due Date
Andhra Pradesh	Annual	December	30	70	100	Form F Jan 31
Chandigarh	Monthly	April-March	5	20	25	Nil Oct.15 Apr.15
Chattisgarh	Half-Yearly	June- Dec.	15	45	60	Form A 31 July 31 Jan
Delhi	Half-Yearly	June-Dec.	0.75	2.25	6	Form A 15 July 15 Jan.
Goa	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	60	180	240	Form A 31 July 31 Jan.
Gujarat	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	6	12	18	Form A1 31 July 31 Jan.
Haryana	Monthly	Jan – Dec	31	62	93	Nil 31 Dec
Karnataka	Annual	December	20	40	60	Form D 15 Jan.
Kerala	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	4	12	16	Form A 15 July 15 Jan
Maharastra	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	6/12	18/36	24/48	Form A1 15 July 15 Jan
Madhya Pradesh	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	10	30	40	Nil 15 July 15 Jan
Odisha	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	20	40	60	Form F 15 July 15 Jan
Punjab	Monthly	April-March	5	20	25	Nil 15 Oct 15 April
Tamil Nadu	Annual	December	20	40	60	Form D 15 Jan
Telengana	Annual	December	2	5	7	Form F 31 Jan
West Bengal	Half-Yearly	June-Dec	3	15	18	Form D 15 July 15 Jan.

How is the Labour Welfare Fund utilized?

The Labour Welfare Fund is utilized by the Labour Welfare Board to cover the following activities.

To provide Libraries
For Vocational Training
To provide adequate nutrition to children
Towards transport facilities
For the education of children, through scholarships
To provide Medical facilities for employees and dependents
To provide entertainment facilities to the employees – sports, art forms, music
To provide vacation facilities for employees and their families
For providing subsidiary occupation for women and unemployed persons.
To provide assistance for Natural and Accidental Death. In Tamilnadu an Accidental death Assistance of ₹ 1,00,000 and ₹5,000 towards funeral expenses is provided. When death is natural, a sum of ₹25,000/- assistance along with ₹5,000 towards funeral expenses is provided.

Conclusion

The Labour Welfare Fund Act is an important legislation to protect the interests of the workers, especially in the unorganized sector. However, only 16 states and UTs have so far implemented the Act. Though it has not been implemented in all the States and Union Territories in the country, many states and UTs are in the process of implementing them shortly.

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What are the policies that should be maintained in a company that is covered by the Shops and Establishment Act?

Introduction

The Shops and Establishment Act was established to protect the rights of employees in commercial establishments like business houses, offices, stores, warehouses, hotels, amusement parks, theatres, etc., nationwide. The provisions of the Act form one of the most important regulations required to be complied with by businesses. Every state has framed its own separate Shops and Establishment Act. However, the scope of the Act is similar across the nation, barring a few minor changes from state to state.

The Shops and Establishment Act regulates the following areas:

– Working hours

– Rest intervals for employees

– Overtime eligibility

– Leave Policy

– Opening and Closing hours of the establishment

– Weekly holidays, national and religious holidays

– Wages for holidays

– Annual, Casual, Maternity, and Sick leave

– Time and conditions for payment of wages

– Deduction of Wages

– Termination conditions

– Cleanliness, lighting, and ventilation of premises

– Precautions against fire

– Prohibition of employment of children

– Employment of young persons or women

– Maintaining various records/registers

– Display of Notices-Certificates

The establishments that are registered under the Shops and Establishment Act have to frame certain policies that will enable them to comply with all the regulations of the Act. Failure to do so will attract penalties and other penal actions.

This article articulates the policies and actions to be taken by establishments that are registered under the Shops and Establishment Act.

Registration:

Any company or establishment that is subject to come under the rules of the Shops and Establishment Act has to register with the Labour Department. These registrations have to be made within the days mentioned in the Act and this would differ from state to state. In some states, the registration has to be obtained within 30 days of the commencement of business, whereas, in some other states it is 60, 90, or even 180 days from the commencement of business.

Hours of Business – Opening and Closing hours:

This should be fixed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter III of the Act. Typically the Act specifies that an employee has to work for 48 hours a week and shall not work for more than 9 hours in a day. This may vary from state to state.

Weekly, National, and Religious Holidays:

The Act provides for at least one-day weekly holiday. In addition to this, the employees are eligible for Casual Leave, Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Maternity Leave as per the provisions of the Act in the states.

National Holidays may be common across the states but the Religious holidays may vary from state to state. A proper leave policy has to be maintained by the establishment.

Payment of Wages:

The Act provides that the employees are paid their wages on time and as per the employment contract. In addition to this paid leave can be availed by employees and this includes Annual Leave, Sick Leave, and Maternity Leave. Typically, employees are eligible for at least 12 days of paid leave per year and this may vary from state to state.

Overtime Wages:

Employees who work for extra hours are eligible for overtime wages and this should be paid in accordance with the rules.

Deduction of Wages:

Wage deduction policies should be as per the rules framed in the Act for such deductions.

Termination from Service:

Proper policies have to be framed as per Sec.66 the Act for Termination of Employees.

Employment of Children

The Act has provisions for the employment of children and this should be properly reflected in the policies of the establishment.

Employment of young persons and Women:

As per the Shops & Establishments Act, there are strict rules regarding the employment of young persons and women. These mostly pertain to the number of hours and working hours. These policies should be strictly maintained by the establishment.

Register and Records:

Specific Registers and records have to be properly maintained as per the Act. These include the Register of Employees, Register of Wages and Deductions, etc.

Cleanliness, Lighting, and ventilation of the premises:

The Establishment has to maintain a clean and dust-free workplace. Proper ventilation has to be provided on the premises with adequate lighting. The Act mandates that a safe and secure work atmosphere is provided to the employee.

Provisions for Fire Emergency

The Act envisages the need for having emergency exits in the event of fire risks.

Full-body Medical check-up:

All employees should undergo a full-body medical check-up by a certified surgeon or doctor at least once a year. These records have to be properly maintained.

Conclusion

Any establishment that comes under the purview of the Shops & Establishment Act has to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations, failing which they will be penalized.

These may be in the form of fines or in some cases imprisonment. Contravening these rules is a serious offense and it is therefore in the interest of the establishment to have clear policies that enable full compliance.

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ESIC eligibility criteria and benefits for members and dependents!

The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme was launched by the Government of India with the primary objective of providing cover to employees from health-related contingencies such as permanent or temporary disablement, sickness, death due to injury caused during employment or occupational disease that adversely affects the earning capacity of the worker. Through this scheme, an employee will be able to overcome the financial burden due to such eventualities.

Eligibility

The ESI Act provides Medical cover and other benefits to employees in factories, business establishments like hotels, cinema houses, road transport, newspapers, educational and medical institutions, and shops wherein 10 or more persons are employed. The scheme offers benefits to both the employees and their dependents in case of any emergencies like hospitalization or accidents at the workplace.

As per the Act, any worker or employee earning wages up to ₹ 21,000 per month is entitled to these benefits.

The Benefits

The benefits that members or their dependents are eligible to receive have been spelt out in Section 46 of the Act. Members are eligible to receive six social security benefits and they are as follows:

Medical Benefit
Sickness Benefit
Maternity Benefit
Disablement Benefit
Dependent Benefit
Other Benefits

I. Medical Benefit

Through this full medical care is provided to the Insured Person (IP) and his family members from the day of entering insurable employment. The family includes spouses, dependent children up to 18 years (if continuing education up to 21 years) dependent unmarried daughter, dependent infirm children, and dependent parents.

Also if the Insured Person is unmarried and his/her parents are not alive, the minor brother or sister wholly dependent on the earnings of the Insured person.

There is no ceiling on the expenditure incurred in the treatment of the insured person or his/her dependent. The Act also provides medical care to retired and permanently disabled insured person and their spouse on payment of a token annual premium of ₹ 120. The following are the provisions and benefits.

System of Medicine
Entitlement
Benefits to retired persons
Domiciliary Hospitalization
Consultation with Specialists
Investigation and Imaging Services
In-patient treatment
Artificial Limbs and Aids

1. System of Medicine

The Allopathic system of Medicine is the normal system of treatment. However, considering the request of a substantial number of workers to provide treatment in the Indian System of Medicine and Homoeopathy (ISM & H), treatment is now been provided through Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy, and also through Yoga therapy.

The required certificates for availing of the benefits have to be issued by the concerned Insurance Medical Officer (IMO) or Insurance Medical Practitioner (IMP) appointed by the State government. This facility is available in 95 selected ESI Hospitals/Dispensaries throughout the country.

2. Entitlement

The State Government in consultation with the Corporation prescribes the level of entitlement benefits that members or their family members are entitled to. An IP or a family member can only avail of the medical benefits prescribed. All beneficiaries are entitled to reasonable medical, surgical, and obstetric treatment.

Entitlement of IPs

ESI Hospital / Dispensary / Diagnostic Centre and other recognized institutions offer the following treatment to all IPs.

– Outpatient Treatment

– Domiciliary Treatment

– Hospitalization as In-patient

– Full supply of Drugs, dressings, aids, appliances, and artificial limbs.

– Laboratory and Imaging services.

– Entitled to receive benefits under the Integrated family welfare scheme, MCH, and other national health programs.

– Ambulance service or reimbursement of conveyance charges for visiting hospitals or diagnostic centres.

– Medical Certification

– Other special provisions.

Entitlement of Family Members

Family members of an IP are entitled to one or other medical benefit:

– Full Medical Care which means all facilities entitled to IPs including hospitalization

– Extended Medical Care which includes all facilities provided to IPs but without hospitalization.

However, plans are afoot to provide uniform Medicare Care to family members in all implemented areas as the rates of contribution paid by the employee and employer are uniform across the country.

2. Benefits to Retired IPs and Disabled Persons

Under Section 56 of the Act, a member on payment of a lump sum ₹ 120 for one year in advance, (₹ 10 per month) can avail of the following benefits:

– This benefit is available till the period for which the Insured person contributes. The insurance should not be for less than five years and the IP should have left insurable employment on attaining the age of superannuation or taken VRS or retired prematurely. The spouse is also entitled to this benefit.

– An insured person or his/her spouse who ceases to be in insurable employment on account of permanent disablement due to injury suffered during employment shall be entitled to receive medical benefits.

3. Domiciliary Treatment

The IPs and his/her family members are entitled to free medical treatment at their residence when the patient’s condition is such that he/she cannot undertake travel to attend the clinic/dispensary. The concerned IMO/IMP is required to attend to the person at his/her residence. The IMO/IMP is required to maintain a proper record of the domiciliary visits in a register month-wise.

4. Consultation with Specialists

As per the Act, Specialist consultation to IPs and members of their family is to be provided in areas with “Expanded” and “Full” Medical care. Specialist consultation may be provided at Specialist/Diagnostic Center’s, ESI Hospitals, and at such other institutions where Specialists/Super Specialists have been appointed on a full-time/part-time basis.

Such Specialist Consultations are available in specialties like General medicine, Surgery, Pulmonary Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, ENT, Orthopaedics, Cardiology, Neurology, Urology & Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Endocrinology, Oncology, and many other specialties.

5. In-Patient Treatment

In areas with “FULL” Medical Care facilities, the family members are entitled to hospitalization. IPs are eligible for hospitalization in all areas. All ESI Hospitals provide in-patient treatment. This facility is also available by reservation of beds in hospitals owned by the State government, or in Private institutions, or by constructing annexes to such institutions.

6. Investigation and Imaging Services

The IPs and family members are entitled to free Laboratory Investigation and Imaging Services. The Imaging facilities include CT Scans, MRI & Echo-Cardiograph. These services can be availed from state-level specialty hospitals or other institutions that have tie-up with ESIC.

7. Artificial Limbs and Aids

IPs and their family member are provided the following Artificial Limbs and aids as part of the medical care under the ESI scheme.

Artificial Limbs, Hearing Aids, Wigs (for women beneficiaries only), Cardiac Pacemaker, Wheelchair/Tricycle, Spinal support, Cervical Collar, Crutches, Surgical Boots, Hip Prosthesis, intra-Ocular Lens, and any other aids or appliances prescribed by the Specialist. Apart from this, Spectacles, Artificial Dentures, and Artificial Eyes are available to the IPs only. The expenses incurred for purchasing artificial limbs and aids are met from the shareable pool of expenditure on medical care.

II. Sickness Benefits

Sickness Benefit is a benefit in the form of cash compensation payable to the IPs during periods of certified sickness. 70% of average daily wages are payable to the IP up to a maximum of 91 days in a year on condition that the insured person has contributed for 78 days in a contributory period of 6 months.

1. Extended Sickness Benefit

Continuous insurable employment for two years with 156 days contribution in four consecutive periods is required to avail of this benefit if suffering from 34 specified long-term diseases.

The benefit is available for 309 days which may be extended up to two years on medical advice up to 60 years of age and can be availed during a period of three years. Rate: 80% of the average daily wages.

2. Enhanced Sickness Benefit

Payment of contribution for 78 days in the corresponding contribution period of six months

This benefit is payable to IPs undergoing sterilization for family planning. Full wages are paid for 7 days for Vasectomy and 14 days for Tubectomy, and are extendable on medical advice. The rate of payment is 100% of the daily average wages.

III. Maternity Benefit

Payment of contribution of 70 days in two preceding contribution periods (one year).

Benefit: Up to 26 weeks in case of normal delivery and up to 6 weeks in case of miscarriage, that is extendable by 4 weeks on medical advice. For insured women with two or more surviving children Maternity Benefit will be for 12 weeks. Rate: 100% of the average daily wages.

IV. Disablement Benefit

1. Temporary Disablement Benefit

From day one of entering insurable employment irrespective of having paid any contribution and payable for employment injury cases only.

Benefit: As long as temporary disablement lasts. Rate: 90% of the average daily wages.

2. Occupational Diseases

The Occupational Diseases is defined in the third schedule of ESI Act, 1948 and as confirmed by the Special Medical Board are treated as Employment injury.

Benefit: As long as temporary disablement lasts. Rate: 90% of the average daily wages.

3. Permanent Disability Benefit

Same as in the case of temporary disablement but after Medical Board decision.

Benefit: For whole life. Rate: 90% of the average daily wages if permanent disability is total. In case of partial disablement proportionate to the loss of earning capacity.

V. Dependent Benefit

If the IP is deceased and the cause of death is due to employment injury or occupational hazard, then the benefit is paid to the dependents of the deceased IP.

To the widow for life or until her re-marriage. To children till the age of 25 years. To dependent parents for life.

Rate: 90% of the average daily wages shareable in fixed proportion.

VI. Other Benefits

1. Funeral Expenses

From day one of entering insurable employment and if eligible for any benefit as an insured person. Rate: Actual expenses subject to a maximum of ₹ 15,000 (w.e.f. 01-03-2019).

2. Confinement Expenses

Confinement expense is paid to a woman IP or an IP in respect of his wife in case the confinement occurs in a place where necessary medical facilities under the ESI scheme are not available.

Benefits: Up to two confinements only. Rate: ₹ 5,000 per case.

In addition to the above, Vocational Rehabilitation benefit is provided to permanently disabled IPs for undergoing Vocational Rehabilitation training at the VT Centres. IPs are also eligible to receive Physical Rehabilitation benefits in case of physical disablement due to employment injury.

3. Unemployment Allowance

The IP also benefits from 2 schemes introduced by the Government:

1. Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana

This scheme was launched on 01-09-2005. In case of involuntary loss of employment due to closure of the establishment, retrenchment of due to permanent disablement due to non-employment injury and the contribution in respect of him have been paid/payable in for a maximum of 2 years prior to the loss of employment.

Benefit: maximum twenty four months during the lifetime. Rate: 50% of the average daily wages for first 12 months and thereafter 25% of average daily wages up to 24 months.

2. Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The ESI Corporation has introduced the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) with effect from 01-07-2018 as a welfare measure for employees who have been rendered unemployed.

Benefit: Subject to the eligibility conditions, in the form of cash compensation up to 25% of the average daily wages up to 90 days, once in a lifetime, to be claimed after 3 months from unemployment in one or more spells.

4. Vocational Training

Vocational Training is provided in case of physical disablement due to employment injury.

Benefits: As long as vocational training lasts. Rate: Actual fee charged or ₹ 123 a day or whichever is higher.

5. Physical Training

Physical Training is provided in case of physical disablement due to employment injury.

Benefits: As long as a person is admitted in an artificial limb Centre. Rate: 100% of the average daily wages.

6. Skill Upgradation Training

Skill Upgradation Training is provided in case of physical disablement due to employment injury.

Benefits: For a short duration maximum up to 12 months.

7. Quota for MBBS/BDS Admission

The children of Insured Person/Insured Woman who satisfy the eligibility conditions as per the guidelines issued by ESIC Headquarters from time to tome published in the website www.esic.nic.in will be eligible for admission under IP quota in Medical Institutions.

Benefits: MBBS/BDS seats are reserved for wards (children) of IP in ESIC Medical/Dental Colleges. The candidate should attend the NEET Examination and should find a place in the rank list.

Conclusion

The benefits provided to employees through the ESI scheme have enabled employees to withstand the financial pressures due to medical emergencies and injuries caused in the course of employment. Both the IPs and their family members have benefitted greatly from these schemes and they stand testimony to the various welfare measures introduced for the welfare of employees.

GetifyHR, one of the premier outsourcers of Payroll Processing and HR Management has been assisting clients across the country in all aspects of payroll processing and statutory compliance issues. We have been able to also assist employees to receive all their benefits so that they could tide over very serious crises in their life by way of hospitalization due to medical emergencies and injuries suffered during employment. This has enabled management to enjoy a greater rapport with the employees and has helped to promote positive growth.

What is Professional Tax, Rates, Due Date, Compliance

Professional Tax is a direct tax levied by the state government on individuals who earn a living through employment or as professionals like doctors, lawyers, chartered accountants, any business, freelancers, HUF, and other professionals. The Professional Tax rates and the methods of tax collection differ from state to state and some states do not impose this tax.

The state governments are empowered to frame these laws pertaining to Profession tax under Article 276 of the Constitution of India which deals with tax on profession, employment, and callings.

Professional Tax is levied by the Commercial Taxes Department of each State. The tax is levied based on the income earned through profession, business, or employment. In other words, it’s a tax ₹that is to be paid by each individual who earns income. As mentioned earlier, the tax amount collected differs from state to state and each state or union territory follows its slab system to collect the tax. However, there is a ceiling on the amount of tax that can be collected in a year.

When Professional Tax was imposed in the year 1949 the maximum amount to be collected was ₹ 250 per year. In the year 1988, this was raised to ₹ 2500, and till today it remains unchanged.

What are the different professional tax rates?

The slab structure existing in 2 major districts is briefed hereunder to illustrate the Professional tax rates.

Professional tax slabs in Coimbatore

Salary Slab	Tax Amount
Upto Rs.21,000	NIL
Rs. 21,001 to 30,000	Rs. 171
Rs. 30,001 to 45,000	Rs. 428
Rs. 45,001 to 60,000	Rs. 856
Rs. 60,001 to 75,000	Rs. 1250
Above Rs.75,000	Rs. 1250

Professional tax slabs in Chennai

Salary Slab	Tax Amount
Upto Rs.21,000	NIL
Rs. 21,001 to 30,000	Rs. 135
Rs. 30,001 to 45,000	Rs. 315
Rs. 45,001 to 60,000	Rs. 690
Rs. 60,001 to 75,000	Rs. 1025
Above Rs.75,000	Rs. 1250

States and Union Territories where Professional Tax is applicable

The following are the states and union territories where Professional Tax is applicable:

Andhra Pradesh
Assam
Bihar
Chattisgarh
Gujarat
Jharkhand
Kerala
Karnataka
Maharashtra
Megalaya
Madhya Pradesh
Manipur
Mizoram
Nagaland
Odisha
Puducherry
Punjab
Sikkim
Tamilnadu
Telangana
Tripura
West Bengal

States and Union Territories where Professional Tax is not applicable

The following are the states and union territories where Professional Tax is not applicable:

Arunachal Pradesh
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Chandigarh
Delhi
Daman & Diu
Dadar and Nagar Haveli
Goa
Himachal Pradesh
Haryana
Jammu & Kashmir
Ladakh
Lakshadweep
Rajasthan
Uttar Pradesh
Uttarakhand

Who collects Professional Tax?

The Commercial Tax Department of the respective state is responsible to collect Professional Tax.

Whose responsibility is it to pay Professional Tax?

Based on whether the taxpayer is a salaried employee, a professional, a trader, or a freelancer the method of paying Professional Tax varies.

If the taxpayer is a salaried employee, then it is the responsibility of the employer to deduct the tax complement and remit the tax to the government.
If the taxpayer is a professional like a doctor, a chartered accountant, an engineer, a lawyer, or some other professional, the individual has to register with the department and pay the relevant tax as and when it is due.
Individuals who are carrying out freelancing activities are required to register with the department and pay tax accordingly.
Any individual who is carrying on a trade (Corporate, partnership firms, sole proprietorship, etc.) is also required to register and obtain a Professional Tax registration certificate to be able to pay the relevant tax. In addition, the employer has to obtain a professional tax enrolment certificate to be able to deduct the tax from his employees and pay the government. Where the offices are located in different locations, separate registration has to be obtained.

Who is exempted from paying Professional tax?

The Professional Tax Rules expect every individual who earns a regular income to pay the tax to the government as and when due. However, there are certain exemptions to these rules. The list below gives details of the categories of people who are exempted from paying Professional Tax.

Members of the three services, the Army, Air Force, and Navy.
An individual who suffers from mental or physical disability. The disability could be blindness, deafness, or any other disability.
Parent of children who suffer from mental or physical disability.
Hospitals run on charity that is located in places that are below the taluk level.
Workers who are temporarily employed in a factory.
Individuals running educational institutions.
A foreigner who has been employed by the State.
Any individual whose age is above 65 years.
Women who are solely engaged as agents under the Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bahat Yogana (MPKBY) of the Government of India.

Penalties for non-compliance with Professional Tax rules and non-payment of tax

The penalty for non-compliance and non-payment of tax is determined by the Professional Tax regulation of each state. Businesses that fail to register with the authorities or default in payment or fail to file the returns by the scheduled date are penalized with fines, late fees, or interest. For example, Karnataka imposes a fine of 1.25% per month on any unpaid tae, whereas, West Bengal imposes an annual fee of 12% on a registered employer who fails to pay the tax dues. In Maharastra, the penalty of ₹ 5 per day is imposed for late registration. For late payment of tax, 1.25% monthly interest is charged and for non-payment, a 10% penalty is imposed. For late submission of returns, the penalty is in the range of ₹ 1000 to ₹ 2000.

Conclusion

Professional Tax is a mandatory tax levied on every individual who earns a living. This may be a very onerous tax and with the frequent changes in the rules and regulations, it is advisable to consult with professionals to be fully compliant.

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