The Labour Department of Andaman and Nicobar Administration, in partnership with the Regional Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), organised a sensitisation programme on the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) at Swaraj Dweep on September 3. The session was aimed at raising awareness among prospective employers about the central government’s new ₹1 lakh crore scheme for employment generation.
More than 30 employers attended the programme, which focused on explaining the objectives, eligibility, and benefits of the initiative. The PM-VBRY, launched on August 1, 2025, is expected to generate over 3.5 crore jobs nationwide by July 31, 2027. Officials described the scheme as central to the government’s vision of “Viksit Bharat @2047” by fostering large-scale employment creation, particularly for first-time job seekers.
Assistant Labour Commissioner Vishakh O.T. conducted the briefing and explained the core features of the scheme. He outlined the dual benefits available to both employees and employers, along with the procedural requirements for enrolment.
For employees, the scheme offers direct financial support. First-time workers earning up to ₹1 lakh per month and registered with EPFO will receive up to ₹15,000 in two installments, transferred via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). The payments will be made after six and twelve months of continuous service, subject to completion of a Financial Literacy Course. Officials explained that this component is designed to support young workers entering the formal labour market while encouraging financial awareness.
For employers, the scheme provides incentives for hiring new staff. Depending on the wage bracket, employers will receive monthly support of ₹1,000 to ₹3,000 per new hire for two years, and up to four years in the manufacturing sector. To qualify, establishments with fewer than 50 employees must recruit at least two new workers annually, while larger employers with more than 50 staff are required to hire at least five new employees. These conditions are intended to ensure that the benefits translate into tangible expansion of the workforce.
The eligibility requirements were also explained. Employees must have Aadhaar-linked bank accounts, a Universal Account Number (UAN), and be registered with EPFO. Employers must be registered with EPFO and are required to file monthly Electronic Challan cum Returns (ECR) to maintain compliance.
Implementation of the scheme will be managed by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and the EPFO. Registration has been made accessible through the PM-VBRY online portal (pmvbry.epfindia.gov.in) and the UMANG mobile application, streamlining access for both employers and employees.
During the session, the Assistant Labour Commissioner urged employers in Swaraj Dweep and other parts of the islands to make full use of the scheme. He explained that expanding formal employment would not only benefit local youth but also contribute to the islands’ economic growth. Employers were encouraged to integrate the scheme into their workforce planning and to assist first-time workers in completing the required financial literacy components.
Labour Department officials and EPFO representatives addressed questions from participants on procedural details, documentation, and timelines. Employers sought clarification on issues such as wage brackets, deadlines for filing returns, and methods to track DBT transfers. The interactive format allowed direct engagement between officials and participants, ensuring that the employers left with clarity on how to implement the scheme in their organisations.
The session was also attended by Labour Inspector Vijita Devi and EPFO Enforcement Officer Nalini, who emphasised the importance of compliance and timely registration to avail the benefits. Officials described the sensitisation as part of a wider campaign to familiarise employers across the islands with PM-VBRY and ensure broad-based participation.
The Labour Department has urged employers and employees across the islands to register under PM-VBRY and contribute to the nationwide effort of generating new jobs. More information is available at pmvbry.epfindia.gov.in.
