EPFO records addition of 20.06L members in May
Further, the year-on-year analysis reveals a growth of 2.84 per cent in net payroll additions compared to May 2024, signifying increased employment opportunities and heightened awareness of employee benefits, bolstered by EPFO's effective outreach initiatives. Union Minister of Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, said, 'The EPFO has recorded an all-time high net member addition in May 2025, a testament to the growing strength of India's formal employment landscape.This historic achievement is the direct result of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visionary leadership and the government's unwavering commitment to pro-youth, pro-worker reforms.'
'Under the Prime Minister's guidance, our focus on ease of doing business and economic empowerment is yielding tangible outcomes, and we remain dedicated to building a robust and inclusive labour ecosystem for a Viksit Bharat," he added.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
4 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Modi makes push for ‘swadeshi' after US levies 25% tariff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called on citizens to adopt the spirit of 'swadeshi' and support locally made products, stressing that true service to the nation lies in promoting indigenous goods amid global economic uncertainties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a gathering in Varanasi.(ANI) His comments came a day after US President Donald Trump announced a 25% tariff on India and unspecified penalties for buying Russian oil, after talks bogged down over access to agriculture and other sensitive sectors, with New Delhi refusing to open its labour-intensive farms to unfettered American imports. In a 55-minute speech, the PM also invoked Lord Shiva's 'Rudra roop' (fierce form) to describe India's resolute action against terrorism, saying Operation Sindoor showcased the country's strength and that any Pakistani misadventures will get a reply from missiles made in UP, a reference to the BrahMos. He was addressing a public meeting in Banauli village in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi where he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated development works worth around ₹2,200 crore. He also distributed the 20th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi worth ₹20,500 crore to over 97 million eligible farmers nationwide. 'The world economy is facing instability and uncertainty. In such times, countries are focusing solely on their own interests. India, too, is on the path to becoming the world's third-largest economy and must remain alert to its own economic priorities,' he said. The prime minister also made a renewed push for 'swadeshi', stressing that every party, leader and citizen must work to promote indigenous goods if 'we want India to become the third-largest economy'. 'Welfare of farmers and small industries is paramount and the government is making every possible effort in this direction…At a time when the world is going through uncertainty, let us take a pledge to sell only swadeshi goods from our shops and markets. Promoting made in India goods will be the truest service to the country,' he added. He also urged people to be conscious consumers, saying, 'Whatever we buy, we should ask ourselves — has an Indian toiled to make this? If it has been made by the sweat of our people, with their skills, that product is swadeshi for us. We must adopt the mantra of 'Vocal for Local'.' Trump's executive order on Friday also set punitive rates for 69 trading partners, including 35% duties on Canada, 50% for Brazil, 20% for Taiwan and 39% for Switzerland, as a previously announced 12.01am EDT August 1 deadline approached. Goods from unlisted countries face a 10% baseline tax. The new levies come into effect on August 7. India now faces higher tariff rates than regional competitors, with Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia set for 19% duties while Bangladesh, Vietnam and Taiwan face 20% rates—potentially weakening India's position as a preferred sourcing destination for US companies. India exports $86.5 billion worth of goods to the US, with a surplus of $41 billion. However, industry experts estimate that a significant chunk of Indian goods may avoid the higher duties for now since the Trump administration has exempted electronics, pharmaceuticals, energy products and critical minerals from additional tariffs citing national interest. Nonetheless, analysts expect a significant impact for India's exports. In his first visit to Varanasi since Operation Sindoor, Modi drew attention to the state of the world economy. With the festival and wedding seasons approaching, the PM encouraged people to ensure that all new purchases are made in India. He recalled how many citizens changed their wedding plans from abroad to India after his earlier appeal. 'The feeling of swadeshi in every action will define our future. This will also be a true tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Only through collective effort can we fulfil the dream of a developed India,' Modi said. The PM accused the Congress of repeatedly insulting the valour of the armed forces and even terming Operation Sindoor a 'tamasha' (spectacle). 'Can 'Sindoor' ever be a joke? They dared to insult the sacred mark of our sisters and the valour of our soldiers,' he said. 'My heart was filled with sorrow for the 26 people who lost their lives in the Pahalgam terror attack... My promise to avenge 'Sindoor' of our daughters was fulfilled with blessings of Mahadev,' he said, adding, 'I dedicate the success of the operation at the feet of Mahadev.' He was referring to the killing of three terrorists responsible for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack in an encounter named Operation Mahadev last week. 'Shiva means welfare, but when terrorism and injustice raise their ugly head, Mahadev takes his 'Rudra roop'. During Operation Sindoor, the world witnessed this very form of India,' the PM said, warning that 'whoever attacks India will not survive, even in Pataal Lok (netherworld)'. Taking a dig at the Opposition, Modi alleged that while the country was celebrating the success of Operation Sindoor, 'some people in our own country were troubled by it'. 'Congress and its allies are unable to digest the fact that India demolished terrorist hideouts inside Pakistan,' he said. 'Aren't you proud of Operation Sindoor? Aren't you proud that India destroyed terror bases (in Pakistan and PoK)?' the PM asked. 'Several air bases in Pakistan are still in ICU. While Pakistan's anguish is understandable, what's shocking is that Congress and Samajwadi Party leaders are also unable to cope with it.' Modi also attacked the Samajwadi Party (SP) for questioning the timing of Operation Mahadev. 'One of their leaders asked in Parliament -- 'why were the attackers of Pahalgam killed now'. Should I call and ask Samajwadi leaders whether to strike now or later? Should we wait and let the terrorists escape?' Modi asked. 'This is 'Naya Bharat' (New India), which worships Lord Shiva but turns Kaal Bhairav against its enemies when needed,' the prime minister said. Modi stressed that Operation Sindoor demonstrated India's indigenous defence capabilities to the world. Expressing pride as an MP from Uttar Pradesh, the PM announced that BrahMos missiles will soon be manufactured in Lucknow. The BrahMos unit in Lucknow was inaugurated on May 11. Issuing a stern warning, he declared, 'If Pakistan dares to repeat its mistakes, missiles made in UP will wipe out terrorists.' Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath, his two deputies Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak, along with several ministers, public representatives, and BJP state unit president Bhupendra Singh Chaudhary were present at the event.
Time of India
32 minutes ago
- Time of India
Chouhan warns of strict action for black marketing of fertilisers
Patna: Union agriculture and farmers' welfare minister on Saturday warned that strict action would be taken against those found selling fertilisers on the black market in Bihar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "They will be sent to jail," he said. Speaking at an event in Patna held to mark the payment of the 20th instalment of the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana by pm Narendra Modi, Chouhan SAID fertilisers must reach farmers without fail. "If someone is found selling fertilisers on the black market, he should be sent to jail immediately. Strict action will be taken against those selling fake seeds and fertilisers," he said. Chouhan also appealed to farmers to embrace indigenous products. "The path to a self-reliant India is possible only by using indigenous products. Make 'Vocal for Local' a mass movement and strengthen the country's economy," he said. Taking a swipe at the opposition, Chouhan said, "Congress and RJD never deposited money in the bank accounts of farmers. Schemes like crop insurance are the gift of the Modi govt." Extending greetings ahead of Rakshabandhan, he said, "I wish all the women farmers a happy Rakshabandhan in advance. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy, and this scheme is infusing new energy into the lives of farmers." Reflecting on earlier challenges faced by farmers, he said, "Earlier, farmers had to take money on interest. Today, it is being deposited directly into their bank accounts. There is an effort to increase the production per hectare of farmers." Highlighting Bihar's potential, he said, "Most of the makhana is produced in Bihar. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The Makhana Board is ready and will be operational soon. Now, research will be done in villages and not in Delhi." "Today, more than 11 crore farmers are getting direct assistance of ₹6,000 per year without any discrimination and middlemen. Lakhs of farmers in Bihar are benefiting from this and are working with new consciousness in their fields," he added. State agriculture minister and deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha praised the farming community. "Hardworking farmers not only produce food but also drive the country's progress.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Cargo trial on Kopili marks marks revival of river transport in Assam
Guwahati: Operationalisation of National Waterways-57 through a cargo trial on Saturday marked the resumption of intra-state waterborne freight transport in Assam. A significant advancement in reviving the state's river-based commerce and sustainable logistics occurred when NW-57 (Kopili river) commenced operations with its inaugural cargo trial from Govardhan Bridge in Chandrapur, Kamrup to Hatsingimari in South Salmara. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The vessel MV VV Giri, featuring self-loading capabilities, transported 300 metric tonnes of cement across the 300-kilometre route on NW-57 and the Brahmaputra, completing the journey in approximately 12 to 14 hours. Union minister for ports, shipping and waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal said this development made over 1168 kms of national waterways in Assam operational. "This is a watershed moment for Assam. With the operationalisation of NW-57 on Kopili, we are not only reviving a lost artery of trade within the state, but also taking a major step towards building an inland water transport system that is economical, efficient, and environmentally sustainable. For far too long, the rich inter-web of riverine transportation remained neglected post-independence," Sonowal added. This inaugural cargo trial movement on the 46-kms-long NW-57 since 2014 represents a significant milestone in reviving intra-state cargo through Assam's river systems, officials said. The route's operationalisation aligns with the Maritime India Vision 2030 and PM Gati Shakti's objectives of establishing sustainable, integrated, and efficient transport infrastructure nationwide. "Today, with the resumption of cargo movement on four national waterways of Assam — Brahmaputra (NW-2), Barak (NW-16), Dhansiri (NW-31) & Kopili (NW-57) — we have made 1168 kms of waterways operational, offering a reasonable, economic and effective alternative mode of transportation," Sonowal said, adding that this would reduce road congestion and create economic opportunities for the state's riverine communities. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Under the leadership of PM Modi, the govt of India has placed a strong focus on revitalising our inland waterways to create multimodal logistics corridors. Assam is an important state in this regard as IWAI, the nodal agency of our ministry, is working on multiple projects to unlock value across our river ways," Sonowal said. From Brahmaputra to Barak, from Dhansiri to Kopili, Sonowal added that this initiative would strengthen regional growth through enhanced inland waterways. "Reviving waterways like the Kopili is a direct contribution to Modiji's vision of a thriving and self-reliant northeast," Sarbananda added. He highlighted the practical benefits, stating, "By shifting freight movement from road to waterways, we reduce emissions, ease road congestion, and lower logistics costs — all while making better use of our natural resources. Today's trial run replaces roughly 23 truckloads of cement — that's the power and potential of inland water transport." Sonowal said the Kopili cargo movement represents modern Assam's progress. "We are determined to build on this success and scale up cargo and passenger movement across all our major rivers. Waterways are not just a mode of transport; they are the arteries of regional prosperity," he added.
