Atmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

Quick facts

• Purpose: To boost the creation of new jobs in the formal sector post-COVID-19.
• Type: Central Sector Scheme 
• Benefits: Job creation is incentivized by contribution to the EPF by the Central Government.
•  Implementing Agency: Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).

Objective

• To incentivize employers, registered with EPFO, to give employment to new employees and re-employing persons from low wage brackets who lost their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Salient features

Background:  As a component of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat 3.0 package aimed at economic stimulation, ABRY was introduced.  Eligibility:  Subject to some specific conditions benefit is extended to all EPFO-registered establishments and their new employees (earning less than Rs. 15,000 per month)  hired between October 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021, or  those who lost jobs between March 1, 2020, and September 30, 2020. Benefits:  Contribution made by the centre to the EPF for establishments employing:  upto 1000 employees: Both employees' and employers' share of contribution (12% each) more than 1000 employees: Only employees' share of contribution (12%) Aadhaar Seeded UAN: The new employee should have Aadhaar seeded Universal Account Number (UAN). Payments will be made directly to the UAN of eligible employees maintained by the EPFO. Duration of benefits: Benefit is applicable for 24 months from the date of new employee registration, with a deadline of March 2024. Exclusion: No benefits will be provided for new employee if (s)he is already registered beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMRPY)  Pradhan Mantri Paridhan Rojgar Protsahan Yojana (PMPRPY) Accountability:  EPFO shall undertake a Third-Party Evaluation of the Scheme within three months of its closure.