LABOUR MINISTRY
Make things real for virtual reality
India is poised to leverage AI and VR for economic growth. The nation is investing in AI infrastructure and domestic model development. Integrating these technologies into education and industry is crucial for skill development. This strategic fusion aims to enhance productivity, create new job opportunities and boost national competitiveness.
Post Office employees get bonus ahead of Diwali: Know who will be eligible to get 60 days of emoluments for FY 2024–25
Post Office employees will receive a 60-day Productivity Linked Bonus for the accounting year 2024-25, announced by the Department of Posts. This bonus, equivalent to 60 days' emoluments, will be paid to eligible MTS, Group C, and non-gazetted Group B employees. Gramin Dak Sevaks will receive an ex-gratia bonus, and casual labourers will get an ad-hoc bonus.
NCVET’s role in India’s skilling reforms: From fragmentation to integration
India's skilling landscape is being transformed by NCVET. This body is unifying vocational training, linking it with general education. NCVET ensures quality and accountability, preparing learners for future jobs. Efforts are underway to scale up initiatives, integrate new technologies, and improve the social perception of skills. This aims to make India a global skill hub.
EPFO new rules: After backlash, government explains how revised EPF, EPS pension withdrawal rules will benefit members
The Labour Ministry and EPFO have clarified recent changes to EPF withdrawal and EPS pension rules, refuting claims of 'open theft'. The reforms aim to simplify partial withdrawals, allowing access to employer contributions, and introduce a 25% minimum balance to ensure long-term social security. Pension withdrawals are now permitted after 36 months to encourage continued pension eligibility.
What are other benefits of the UAE Golden Visa beyond the 10-year residency
The UAE's Golden Visa is attracting global talent with its 10-year renewable residency. Holders enjoy benefits like consular services abroad and no sponsor requirement. This visa allows extended stays outside the UAE and simplified family sponsorship. It also offers unlimited domestic worker sponsorship and exemption from employment bans.
Dollar soft as Sino-US trade tension weighs
The US dollar dipped on Thursday amidst the backdrop of a simmering trade conflict with China. The mood among investors turned cautious, particularly with whispers about the Federal Reserve potentially lowering interest rates in the near future. As a result, both the euro and yen climbed against the dollar.
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India's unemployment rate rises to 5.2% in September, driven by rural job losses
As of September, India's unemployment rate climbed to 5.2%, with rural areas particularly impacted, affecting men and women alike. Urban centers also felt the squeeze, as youth unemployment reached a concerning three-month high.
Unemployment rate rises marginally to 5.2 pc in September: Government survey
In September, India's job market experienced a modest uptick in unemployment, hitting 5.2% for those aged 15 and older. This rise primarily affected rural job seekers and urban women. On a brighter note, the Worker Population Ratio achieved its peak since May 2025, fueled by the growth of the female workforce.
EPFO members can transfer PF corpus to their pension account
Important updates for EPFO members: New rules around withdrawing your Provident Fund (PF) and pension funds have been introduced. To fully withdraw your PF, you must be unemployed for a minimum of 12 months, while pension fund withdrawals are tied to a 36-month unemployment period.
Textiles, leather & kitchen items exports to US down
Indian exports of key goods to the United States saw a significant drop in August. Labour-intensive products like textiles, leather, and jewellery experienced a downturn. This follows the imposition of tariffs by Washington on New Delhi. Shipments of marine products, tyres, and garments also declined. Even kitchen staples like tea and spices faced reduced exports.
Qatar to offer property titles, residency visas to foreign investors within days of real estate purchases
Qatar is set to offer property title deeds and real estate residency within days for foreign buyers investing at least $200,000. This initiative aims to streamline ownership and attract international investors, with permanent residency available for purchases of $1 million or more. The move supports Qatar's expanding real estate sector, which saw significant growth in Q2 2025.
Pre-testing exercise held for new household income survey
India's statistics ministry pre-tested its National Household Income Survey, a first-ever pan-India initiative to measure household income, set for launch in February 2026. The survey will capture diverse income sources and expenditures, crucial for economic indicators and poverty analysis. Recommendations include building public confidence and ensuring data collection sensitivity.
Ennore tragedy: BHEL asked to take strict disciplinary action
The Centre has ordered BHEL to take action against officials involved in the Ennore Thermal Power Station steel arch collapse. Nine migrant workers died in the incident. The Ministry of Heavy Industries is seeking resignations from director-level officers. A probe is underway to fix accountability for the lapses. Subcontractor selection is also under scrutiny. Three contractors have been arrested.
States, UTs to be ranked on labour welfare steps
The Ministry of Labour and Employment will launch an annual index in 2026 to evaluate states and union territories on their implementation of labour welfare measures. This index will rank them based on inclusiveness, efficiency, and innovation, aiming to foster competitive federalism and attract investments.
EPFO extends deadline for filing EPF return by a week till Oct 22
EPFO has extended the deadline for filing EPF returns for September to October 22, 2025, to accommodate employers adapting to the new revamped ECR system. The labour ministry stated that awareness programs and interactive sessions are being conducted to ensure a smooth transition and timely, error-free filing.
EPFO liberalises partial withdrawal norms; move to benefit 70 million PF subscribers
At the 238th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of EPFO, chaired by the labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya, on Monday, the board also gave its go ahead to the ‘Vishwas Scheme’ to reduce litigation through rationalised penal damages, a comprehensive member-centric digital transformation framework, EPFO 3.0, to modernize provident fund services, EPFO’s tie-up with the India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) to provide doorstep Digital Life Certificate (DLC) services and appointment of four fund managers to manage the debt portfolio of EPFO.
EPFO rolls out Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 to expand social security coverage
Under EPFO's Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, employers can enroll all existing employees, who joined the establishment between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, and who are alive and employed on the date of the declaration, but were not enrolled in the EPF scheme earlier due to any reason, whatsoever, the ministry said in a notification. While an employee's share of provident fund contribution stands waived, the employer is only required to pay their own share for such a period.
Employers in the UAE can now manage domestic worker visas via single digital platform
Employers in the UAE can now manage domestic worker visas online. The new 'Work in UAE' platform simplifies issuing, renewing, and cancelling residency visas. This digital service also includes medical tests. The initiative aims to reduce bureaucracy and enhance customer experience. Employers can complete all hiring and management steps online.
Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon 2025 witnesses Kenya's Alex Matata clinch men's title
Under the initiative, Vedanta, the title sponsor, pledged to provide one Poshan Pack for every kilometre run to children at Nand Ghar, Vedanta's flagship social impact project. With an overwhelming response from participants across India, the 2025 edition surpassed its ambitious pledge of 5 million Poshan Packs, with every kilometre run translating into a nutritious supplement, a remarkable 5 million kilometres run for zero hunger, as per a press release.
Cabinet may discuss finance and market aid next week to boost exports
The Union Cabinet will soon discuss a new Export Promotion Mission. This mission aims to strengthen India's export sector. It will provide targeted financial and market support. The focus is on MSMEs and labour-intensive industries. The mission will help exporters gain a competitive edge globally. It addresses both financial and non-financial challenges faced by exporters.
DA hike for Arunachal Pradesh employees: State government also increases dearness relief to 58%
Arunachal Pradesh has followed the Central Government's lead by approving a 3% Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) hike for state employees and pensioners. This revision, effective July 1, 2025, raises the DA to 58% and will benefit thousands of state government staff, retirees, and AIS officers serving in the region.
ET MSME Awards 2025: Can this amendment save Indian textiles?
The Centre has announced major revisions to the Production Linked Incentive scheme for the textile sector. Yet, they may not address the structural challenges that affect micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Will Trump win the Nobel Peace Prize? Meet the Nobel committee members who hold the power to decide his fate
The world awaits the Nobel Peace Prize announcement this Thursday. US President Donald Trump is a prominent nominee among 338 candidates. The Norwegian Nobel Committee, comprising five members, will reveal its decision. Trump has expressed his desire for the award, citing his efforts in brokering peace agreements. The committee's selection process is independent and final.
ECI allows 12 alternative photo IDs apart from EPIC for voting; announces special arrangements for 'purdanasheen' women
Voters without their Election Photo Identity Card (EPIC) can now use 12 alternative government-approved IDs to cast their ballot. The Election Commission of India has also directed special arrangements for 'purdanasheen' women voters to ensure dignified identification. Bihar's Assembly elections are scheduled for November 6 and 11, with vote counting on November 14.
Labour ministry to come up with a National Employment Policy
To be called Shram Shakti Niti 2025, the policy aims at providing universal social security to all workers, ensuring occupational safety and health, empowering women and youth, easing compliance and enhancing formalisation of workforce to help build a fair, inclusive, and future-ready labour ecosystem in the country.
Britain's Keir Starmer to meet PM Modi on October 9 in Mumbai
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is in India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, focusing on deepening bilateral trade. A key outcome of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement is the expected boost to the Scotch whisky industry, with potential for significant export growth and job creation in the UK.
EPFO seeks nod to redeem only CPSE, Bharat 22 ETFs
The EPFO plans to redeem investments in CPSE and Bharat 22 ETFs in FY26, expecting a ₹17,237 crore capital gain to be credited as interest to members. The organization will also seek approval for EPFO 3.0, a project to overhaul its IT infrastructure and cater to gig workers and increased subscriber base.
India seeks details from Boeing after emergency system glitch on Air India jet, source says
India's air safety regulator has requested further details from Boeing. This follows an incident where an emergency power system activated on an Air India Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The aircraft was on its final approach to Birmingham, UK. The Ram Air Turbine deployed unexpectedly. This system is designed for emergencies. Investigators are looking into the matter.
Broader Labour Survey on cards to capture more data on skilling
The Ministry of Skills Development will soon request PLFS expansion. This seeks skilling data. It will address demand-supply gaps. New additions include vocational education quality and youth unemployment rates. These changes are planned for the next fiscal year. This supports the National Policy for Skill Development 2025. The goal is to create a skilled workforce for industry needs.
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