Srinagar, Aug 16: The 80th Independence Day was celebrated with patriotic fervour at Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office Srinagar, under the chairmanship of Sunil Kumar Toura, RPFC-II/OIC, Regional Office Srinagar.
The programme was graced by the presence of Nazir Ahmed Bhat, Additional Provident Fund Commissioner (JKEPFO), along with other dignitaries and officials from J&K EPFO, the Office of the Labour Commissioner, Deputy Labour Commissioner’s Office, and the Inspectorate of Factories & Boilers.
The National Flag was unfurled, followed by the singing of the National Anthem, with officers, employees and distinguished guests participating enthusiastically in the celebrations.
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Kumar Toura, RPFC-II/OIC paid tribute to the freedom fighters and national leaders. He called upon the officers and employees to discharge their responsibilities with honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability and dedication, while maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and citizen-centric service delivery.
He highlighted key EPFO initiatives aimed at Ease of Doing Business and wider social security coverage, particularly the Vishwas Scheme, Employees’ Enrolment Campaign (EEC) and Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY).
He emphasized proactive outreach and awareness among employers and workers for simplified compliance, wider coverage and effective implementation of these initiatives.
On the occasion, the employer representative from The Lalit Grand Palace, Srinagar, was also invited in connection with the settlement of social security benefits in the tragic case of Late Aijaz Ahmed Bhat, an EPFO member whose family of five, including his wife and three children, tragically lost their lives in an accident in Srinagar. ₹4,91,603 towards insurance benefit and ₹22,316 towards PF benefit were settled in favour of Shah Begum, mother of the deceased member, providing timely social security assistance to the bereaved family.
The occasion highlighted EPFO’s commitment to ensuring that social security benefits reach eligible beneficiaries in a timely, transparent and compassionate manner, particularly in times of unforeseen tragedy.
The programme concluded with a renewed commitment by the officers and employees to uphold the ideals of the Constitution and contribute towards building a Viksit Bharat through efficient, transparent and responsive public service delivery.
