Port Blair, May 02: ANTCC Campaign Committee Chairman Mr. TSG Bhasker has highlighted the pressing issue of non-payment of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) to the employees of the National Health Mission (NHM) in Andaman & Nicobar Islands since April, 2016.
In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, Mr. Bhasker said that as per the EPFO enquiry report a sum of Rs. 2.43 Cr. was assessed as dues for a period of 02 years from April 2016 to July 2018. Later, NHM proposed a sum of Rs.10.31 Cr. (8.11 Cr. + 2.20 Cr.) in the NHM budget for FY 2024-26 to clear these dues. However, the MOH & FW, GOI refused to approve the proposal in NHM ROP 2024-26
He alleged that in spite of EPFO enquiry and recovery under Section 8F, the National Health Mission still maintains their rigidness for non-payment of EPF contribution which is a gross violation of EPF and MP Act 1952 and Labour Laws.
Hence, to maintain the strong foundation of our healthcare infrastructure and to restore the faith of the impoverished employees, Mr. Bhasker requested the Lt. Governor to resolve this issue immediately.
An individual copy of the letter was also given to the Chief Secretary, A&N Administration, Commissioner cum Secretary, Labour and Employment and Labour Commissioner, A&N Islands.