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The Labour Ministry is upgrading its IT systems to provide enhanced services to the country's massive workforce.Starting next year, EPFO subscribers will be able to withdraw their provident funds directly from ATMs, according to Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra."We are settling claims quickly and are working to make the process easier to improve the ease of living. A claimant, beneficiary, or insured person will be able to access their claims conveniently through ATMs, with minimal human intervention," the Labour Secretary said.

"Systems are evolving, and every two to three months, you will notice significant improvements. I believe there will be a major enhancement by January 2025," she told ANI.The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has more than 70 million active contributors.The Labour Secretary also underlined the government's efforts to strengthen EPFO services in order to make life easier.Dawra said progress was being made on proposals to extend social security benefits to gig workers, but he did not provide a date."A lot of work has been done, and we have outlined a scheme that is now in the finalisation process," she said. These benefits could include medical health coverage, provident funds, and financial support in cases of disability.A committee of representatives from diverse sectors has been formed to develop a framework for giving social security and welfare benefits to gig and platform workers.Gig and platform workers were specified for the first time in the Code on Social Security, 2020, which was approved by Parliament. The Code includes provisions for their social security and wellbeing.The Labour Secretary also addressed the unemployment rate, emphasising that it has decreased."In 2017, the unemployment rate was six per cent. Today, it has decreased to 3.2 per cent," she said."Furthermore, our workforce is growing. The Labour Force Participation Rate is increasing, and the Worker Participation Ratio, which indicates how many people are actually employed, has reached 58 per cent and continues to rise," she added.

(With Inputs From ANI Agency)

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