ESIC Issues Measures to Prevent Fraud in Super Speciality Treatment (SST):
Following directions from the High Court of Delhi, the ESIC Deputy Medical Commissioner (SST) has issued measures on 25th July 2024 to prevent fraud related to Super Speciality Treatment. Hospitals and ESI Medical Colleges must conduct thorough checks, scrutinize high-cost cases, and perform regular audits to detect fraudulent activities. Stringent assessment criteria will be applied, and regional directors will verify documents for new cases to ensure only genuine SST cases are approved.
Punjab Permits Establishments to Operate 365 Days a Year:
The Department of Labour, Punjab, issued Notification No. LaboPSCA/3/ADR452/308 on 15th July 2024, allowing establishments to remain open all year until 31st May 2025. Establishments must appoint additional staff, ensure security measures for female employees, and comply with labourlabor laws. Female employees are prohibited from working past 8:00 P.M. without written consent. Failure to meet these conditions may lead to cancellation of the exemption after a hearing by the competent authority.
Madhya Pradesh Introduces Updated Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Rules, 2024:
The Madhya Pradesh Government has updated the Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Rules, replacing the 2012 rules through Notification No. F1-172-2021-Two-C-X dated 7th August 2024. The revised rules outline new conditions for granting and renewing licenses, including updated training standards. These changes aim to streamline the operations of private security agencies and ensure compliance with current regulatory standards in the state.
EPFO Clarifies Revised Rate of Damages for Defaults:
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) clarified in a letter dated 28th August 2024 that the revised rate of damages, as notified under GSR 327(E) and GSR 329(E) effective from 14th June 2024, will apply to defaults made from that date onwards. Any defaults before 13th June 2024 will be subject to the provisions that were in force at the time. This clarification helps resolve ambiguities regarding the application of revised penalty rates.
New SHe-Box Portal Launched for Workplace Harassment Complaints:
The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the updated SHe-Box portal on 29th August 2024, a centralized platform for registering and monitoring sexual harassment complaints. The new features allow direct submission of complaints to the respective Internal Committees (ICs) or Local Committees (LCs). Ministries, state departments, and private companies will update information on their respective ICs/LCs by October 2024, enhancing transparency and access for employees.
Platform Aggregators Invited to Register Workers on e-Shram Portal:
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has urged platform aggregators to register their workers on the e-Shram portal. This initiative, aimed at gig and platform workers, ensures their access to social security benefits through the issuance of a Universal Account Number (UAN). Aggregators are required to update worker details regularly, including work engagement and payments, with the goal of creating an accurate registry of beneficiaries. A toll-free helpline (14434) has also been established for assistance.
Government Exploring Social Security for Gig and Platform Workers:
The Government of India is actively pursuing ways to extend social security coverage to gig and platform workers. During a review meeting chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of these workers was emphasized. Various avenues are being explored to ensure their inclusion in social security schemes, with ongoing collaboration between the Ministry of Labour and platform aggregators.
NHRC Takes Suo Motu Cognizance of Workload-Related Death:
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports regarding the death of a 26-year-old chartered accountant from Kerala in Pune on 20th July 2024, allegedly due to excessive workload. The incident occurred at Ernst & Young, where she had been employed for four months. The NHRC is investigating the claims made by her mother, who alleged that long working hours severely impacted her daughter’s health, a charge denied by the company.
Aggregators Requested to Register Workers on e-Shram Portal:
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a request for platform aggregators to register themselves and their workers on the e-Shram portal. This process is vital for providing social security benefits to gig and platform workers. A meeting scheduled for 18th September 2024, chaired by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, will discuss the registration process and encourage aggregator participation in the initiative. Aggregators must regularly update worker details and ensure accuracy in reporting worker engagement.
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