EPF Scheme Applies To Organised Sector Employees Earning Up To Rs 15K: Mandaviya

New Delhi, Feb 10 (KNN) Coverage under the Employees'Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme is mandatory for employees in EPFO-registered establishments drawing wages up to Rs 15,000 per month and applies only to the organised sector, said Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya in response to a question in Lok Sabha.

The Minister clarified that Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) function as community health volunteers and receive fixed monthly incentives for routine activities, along with performance-based incentives under National Health Programmes. Several States and Union Territories also provide additional State-specific incentives.

Social Security Coverage for ASHAs

Dr. Mandaviya stated that ASHAs have been enrolled in various social security schemes subject to eligibility norms, including the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan Dhan (PM-SYM), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Beema Yojana (PMJJBY) and Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Beema Yojana (PMSBY).

They and their family members are also covered under the Ayushman Bharat–Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), which provides annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh.

He added that strengthening the public healthcare system, including support for ASHA workers, is primarily the responsibility of State and UT governments. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare extends technical and financial support based on Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs) and overall resource allocation.

Honorary Workers Under Other Schemes

Under Mission Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs) are honorary part-time workers from local communities who receive monthly honorarium. Many States provide additional top-up amounts. They and their families are also covered under AB-PMJAY.

Similarly, Cook-cum-Helpers (CCHs) under the PM Poshan Scheme are honorary workers who receive honorarium, with several States supplementing the amount through their own budgets.

AWWs, AWHs and CCHs are also eligible to enroll in social security schemes such as PM-SYM, PMJJBY and PMSBY, subject to prescribed norms.

The Minister noted that while the Centre provides the policy framework, guidelines and cost-sharing support, the primary responsibility for implementation rests with the respective State governments.

(KNN Bureau)