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Thursday, 17 September 2026

Secretary, MSDE inaugurates Skills4Future (Shell India) EV & Green Skills Lab at NSTI Bengaluru

EV & Green Skills Lab under Shell’s Skills4Future programme marks a step towards strengthening the vocational training ecosystem through industry-aligned training in electric vehicle technologies and sustainable mobility

The initiative is a collaborative effort of Shell India, Directorate General of Training (DGT), under the aegis of MSDE for equipping students and faculty with future-ready capabilities in green energy and e-mobility

Skills4Future programme has impacted over 290 institutes, trained more than 70,000 learners, and established 20 Green Skills EV lab across five states

Posted On: 17 SEP 2026 6:22PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant step towards strengthening India's green skilling ecosystem, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) inaugurated the Skills4Future EV & Green Skills Lab at the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Bengaluru recently. The lab has been established under the Skills4Future programme, a collaborative initiative of Shell India, Directorate General of Training (DGT), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Edunet Foundation, aimed at equipping youth with future-ready skills in Electric Vehicles (EVs) and green technologies.

During her visit, Secretary, MSDE, interacted with students, trainers and industry representatives, and witnessed quality infrastructure and practical learning modules on EV technology. The facility has been designed to provide learners with hands-on exposure to Electric Vehicle systems, battery technologies, diagnostics, safety practices and other emerging green technologies, thereby enhancing their employability in rapidly growing sectors of sustainable mobility and clean energy.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Debashree Mukherjee, IAS, Secretary, MSDE, emphasized the importance of industry-government collaboration in creating a workforce equipped for the jobs of the future. She noted that initiatives such as the Skills4Future programme play a crucial role in preparing young people for emerging opportunities in green mobility, renewable energy and sustainable technologies while supporting India's vision for inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Skills4Future programme has emerged as a significant intervention in advancing green and EV skilling across the country. Through partnerships among government, industry and implementation agencies, the programme has already reached more than 290 institutes across five states, trained over 70,000 learners, upskilled over 258 faculty members and established 20 Green Skills EV lab, thereby creating a multiplier effect throughout the vocational education and skilling ecosystem.

In Karnataka alone, the programme has impacted 101 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), trained 9,113 students, demonstrating its contribution towards creating industry-ready talent for the state's growing green economy. The newly inaugurated EV & Green Skills Lab at NSTI Bengaluru further strengthens this ecosystem by providing advanced training infrastructure and experiential learning opportunities for trainees.

The Skills4Future initiative is aligned with the Government of India's vision of fostering a skilled workforce capable of supporting the country's transition towards green mobility and sustainable development. By integrating industry-relevant curriculum, practical learning infrastructure and placement-linked opportunities, the programme seeks to bridge skill gaps and enable youth to participate meaningfully in emerging sectors of the economy.

The inauguration of the EV & Green Skills Lab at NSTI Bengaluru marks another milestone in the ongoing partnership between MSDE, DGT and Shell India, reaffirming their shared commitment to empowering youth with future-focused skills and supporting India's journey towards a greener and more sustainable future.

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Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs aligns with countrywide rollout of Swachhata hi Sewa campaign 2026

Posted On: 17 SEP 2026 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

Today, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs (MoPA) actively participated in the countrywide launch of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026. Spanning a fortnight from 17th September to 2nd October 2026, this initiative is being observed by every department and ministry under the Government of India. The campaign seeks to reinforce the spirit of cleanliness, hygiene, civic responsibility and citizen participation towards realizing the vision of a Swachh Bharat.

To kick off the event, MoPA Secretary, Shri Nikunj Bihari Dhal led Ministry officials in taking the cleanliness pledge. In his opening remarks, he urged that cleanliness and hygiene should not be viewed merely as a campaign-bound activity, but as a continuous, year-round responsibility and a collective way of life.

In observance of the campaign and with a view to promoting sustained awareness about cleanliness and hygiene, the Ministry has drawn up a day-to-day activity plan for the period from 18 September to 1 October 2026. The planned activities will provide opportunities for the participation of officers, officials, Safai Mitras, thereby fostering a sense of collective ownership towards cleanliness. The range of activities include cleanliness drives in office premises/corridors, awareness and sensitization activities for school students, felicitation of Safai Mitra, awareness campaigns and citizen engagement initiatives through social media platforms and plantation activities under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’.

The Ministry will also participate in the nationwide Shramdaan initiative under the call “Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath” on 1st October 2026, further reinforcing the message that cleanliness is a shared responsibility requiring collective action.

Through these initiatives, the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs reaffirms its commitment to the objectives of the Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2026 and to promoting a sustained culture of cleanliness, hygiene, environmental responsibility and dignity of labour. The Ministry remains committed to actively contributing towards the vision of our Prime Minister for Swachh Bharat through continuous and meaningful efforts.

Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Calls for Collective Efforts to Advance Social Justice for a Sustainable Future

Economic Growth and Social Progress Must Move Together: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya at the Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum 2026

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Sets Out Three Priorities for the Global Coalition for Social Justice

Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum 2026 Brings Together Global Partners to Advance Social Justice and Decent Work; India Takes Over Co-Chairmanship

Posted On: 17 SEP 2026 1:59PM by PIB Delhi

The Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum 2026 is being held virtually on 16–17 September 2026, bringing together governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, international and regional organisations, development institutions, the private sector, academia and civil society to strengthen cooperation and accelerate collective action for social justice and decent work. The Official Opening of the Forum was graced by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, Director-General, International Labour Organization (ILO), Ms Jacqueline Mugo, President, International Organisation of Employers; Mr Luc Triangle, General Secretary, International Trade Union Confederation and Mr Luiz Marinho, Minister of Labour and Employment, Brazil.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, called for collective efforts to place social justice at the heart of endeavours, in order to build a more inclusive, resilient and sustainable future. The shared objective of the global community, the Minister said, should be to translate cooperation into opportunities, growth into shared prosperity and commitments to social justice into tangible change. He said India brings to the Forum its experience of delivering transformation at scale and its commitment to building a more inclusive world of work. Emphasising the need for economic growth and social progress to move together, the Minister said that growth must create decent jobs, technology must promote inclusion and innovation must contribute to improving people’s lives.

Dr. Mandaviya said that India is preparing for the future of work through technology, skills and international cooperation. He underlined that the changing world of work requires renewed focus on skills, employability and labour mobility. In this context, he highlighted India’s partnership with the ILO to pilot an International Reference Classification of Occupations across India, Brazil and Germany to support smoother international mobility. He also referred to the New Delhi Declaration 2026 adopted under India’s BRICS Presidency and the BRICS CONNECT initiative, as well as the consensus on an International Digital Platform for Remote Employment to create new virtual employment opportunities for youth across the Global South.

Highlighting India’s reform-led approach, the Minister said that the country continues to focus on transformative reforms, targeted welfare and digital innovation, ensuring that the benefits of economic growth reach the last mile. He drew attention to the consolidation of 29 central labour laws into four modern Labour Codes, stating that the reforms strengthen workers’ protection while creating an enabling environment for enterprises. He also noted that India has become one of the leading countries to provide legal recognition to gig and platform workers. Dr. Mandaviya further emphasised the role of sustained reforms and digital delivery in expanding social protection, noting that India’s social protection coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 68.4 per cent in 2026, bringing more than one billion people within the social protection framework.

The Minister highlighted the role of Digital Public Infrastructure in strengthening social protection delivery. He said that the e-Shram portal, with nearly 320 million registered unorganised workers, is the world’s largest digital database of its kind and connects workers with welfare schemes across national and State Governments. Referring to the National Career Service (NCS), he said that the platform connects jobseekers with domestic and international opportunities, with India also sharing the NCS framework with Mauritius.

Dr. Mandaviya said that India stands ready to deepen partnerships across the Global South in areas including digital public infrastructure, social protection, skills and employment services. He said that sharing successful experiences can help translate national achievements into shared progress and reiterated India’s commitment to strengthening the voice of South-South Cooperation in shaping the future of work and advancing social justice. He also noted that as India assumes the Co-Chairmanship of the Coalition’s Coordinating Group, it would build on the leadership provided by Brazil during the important phase of the Coalition.

As Co-Chair, Dr. Mandaviya outlined three priorities for the Coalition. First, he called for translating collective commitments into action at the country level, in line with national priorities and circumstances. Second, he emphasised the need to strengthen knowledge and experience sharing, intensify cooperation and bring more enterprises into the social justice agenda. Third, he stressed that social justice should inform the choices that shape development beyond 2030. He said that with more than 400 partners, the Coalition has unique collective strength, while its objective should not be to prescribe one pathway for all, but to ensure that social justice remains an integral part of the choices countries make about their future.

Dr. Mandaviya reaffirmed India’s commitment to working with all members to make the Global Coalition for Social Justice a strong platform for international cooperation, shared learning and practical action.

Background

The Global Coalition for Social Justice, established by ILO in 2023, is a global platform aimed at strengthening multistakeholder cooperation and accelerating collective action for decent work and social justice. With more than 400 partners comprising governments, employers’ and workers’ organisations, international and regional organisations, development banks, the private sector, academia and civil society, the Coalition seeks to promote coherent and integrated approaches to advance social justice, expand opportunities, foster shared prosperity and contribute to resilient societies.

The Global Coalition for Social Justice Annual Forum 2026 is being held virtually on 16–17 September 2026, ahead of the High-Level General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. The Forum provides a platform for partners to share experiences and lessons learned, review progress, identify opportunities for collaboration and shape future collective action.

Shri Manohar Lal Participates in G20 Energy Abundance Ministerial Meeting; Addresses Ministerial Sessions and Holds Bilateral Meetings with the United States and Canada

Highlights India’s Progress in Clean Energy, Regulatory Efficiency and Emerging Technologies

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 12:27PM by PIB Delhi

Shri Manohar Lal, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs, participated in the G20 Energy Abundance Working Group meetings in Houston on 15 September 2026. He delivered interventions under Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 and held bilateral discussions with senior leaders from the United States and Canada on strengthening energy cooperation.

Pillar 1: Energy Security and Affordable Baseload

The Minister highlighted India’s rapid progress in building a secure and resilient energy system, noting achievements such as 552 GW installed capacity, a non-fossil share exceeding 50%, and major advances in solar, storage, nuclear, and clean cooking access. He emphasised India’s commitment to technology neutral, inclusive energy pathways and global cooperation through ISA, OSOWOG, and the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Pillar 2: Permitting and Regulatory Efficiency

Shri Manohar Lal outlined India’s reforms to streamline approvals and strengthen regulatory predictability through digital platforms including the National Single Window System, PARIVESH, and PM Gati Shakti. He stressed that efficient permitting is essential for timely infrastructure development and called for enhanced G20 collaboration in capacity building and regulatory modernisation.

Bilateral Meeting with the United States

The Union Minister met Shri Chris Wright, Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy, and discussed India’s power infrastructure plans for AI, high-performance computing, and data centres, along with India’s nuclear expansion roadmap. Both sides reaffirmed priorities for collaboration under the U.S.–India Energy Security Partnership, focusing on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and emerging technologies.

Bilateral Meeting with Canada

Shri Manohar Lal also met Shri Corey Hogan, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, Canada, to explore cooperation in energy efficiency, low emission technologies, and offshore exploration under Samundra Manthan scheme. The Minister encouraged Canadian companies to participate in India’s expanding Exploration & Production sector and deepen engagement in emerging energy technologies.

The Union Minister reaffirmed India’s unwavering commitment to strengthening national energy security through diversification of energy sources, expansion of clean and reliable baseload capacity, and accelerated adoption of emerging technologies. He emphasised that India will continue to pursue a balanced, future ready energy strategy while deepening international partnerships to ensure secure, sustainable, and affordable energy for its citizens and contribute meaningfully to global energy stability.

Union Minister of State Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh launches India’s Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard on World Ozone Day 2026

Digital platforms to promote Voluntary Net Zero Action and Strengthen Monitoring of National Climate Missions

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 12:27PM by PIB Delhi

Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, today launched India’s Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard on the occasion of World Ozone Day 2026 in Mumbai. The two digital initiatives mark an important step towards strengthening transparency, coordination and evidence-based climate action. The Net Zero Portal provides a national platform for voluntary Net Zero commitments by entities, while the NAPCC Dashboard enables consolidated monitoring of progress across the National Missions on climate change.

The Net Zero Portal is a centralised digital platform for voluntary registration and disclosure of Net Zero commitments by Indian entities across sectors. Participating entities can disclose their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, declare Net Zero targets and provide annual progress updates. Entities are encouraged to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, while reporting of Scope 3 emissions remains voluntary. The Portal also enables entities to outline pathways towards Net Zero, including measures related to clean energy transition, energy efficiency, technological interventions and carbon removals, as applicable.

The initiative brings voluntary climate actions onto a common platform, enhances transparency and encourages credible long-term climate planning. Entities successfully declaring their Net Zero targets will receive an acknowledgement from the MoEFCC. Public access to declarations by participating entities, organisations and industries will also create a consolidated repository of voluntary Net Zero actions in the country. The Portal can be accessed at: https://netzeroindia.moef.gov.in/

The NAPCC Dashboard provides a consolidated digital view of implementation and progress across the National Missions under the NAPCC. It brings together mission-related information and identified indicators on a common platform, facilitating systematic monitoring by concerned Ministries and Departments. The Dashboard will strengthen inter-ministerial coordination, support evidence-based assessment of national climate actions, help assess sectoral progress, identify implementation gaps and consolidate relevant inputs from Ministries and Departments. It is also expected to strengthen the linkages between domestic climate actions and India’s international climate commitments. The Dashboard can be accessed at: https://napccindia.moef.gov.in/

The launch of the Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard reflects the Government of India’s continued emphasis on technology-enabled governance, transparency, institutional coordination and evidence-based climate action, while facilitating wider participation in India’s transition towards a low-carbon and climate-resilient future.

India reaffirms Commitment to Ozone Layer Protection and Climate Action at 32nd World Ozone Day Celebration in Mumbai

The Country has exceeded its Montreal Protocol commitments without compromising Development: MoS (EFCC) Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh

Maharashtra working towards Prime Minister's vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 through Sustainable Development: State Environment Minister Smt. Pankaja Munde

India’s Net Zero Portal and NAPCC Dashboard launched on World Ozone Day 2026

248 ITIs adopted by 12 Refrigeration and Airconditioning (RAC) Manufacturers; To align Training of next generation of Technicians with Industry Standards

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 3:11PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today organised the national celebration of the 32nd World Ozone Day in Mumbai, with the theme ‘Global Action for a Cooler Planet’. The event was presided over by Union Minister of State for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (EFCC), Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, along with Maharashtra State Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Smt. Pankaja Munde.

The event was also graced by the presence of Secretary (EFCC), Shri Tanmay Kumar; Ms. Angela Lusigi, Country Head (UNDP); Ms. Ulrike Ebeling, Country Director and Head (GIZ India), besides senior officials from Governments of India and Maharashtra, besides representatives of international organisations, industry representatives, academic experts and school children to highlight India’s efforts towards protection of the ozone layer and a cooler and more sustainable planet.

On the occasion, the dignitaries launched India's Net Zero Portal and the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) Dashboard. The Net Zero portal will serve as a central repository to track, coordinate and showcase India’s climate commitments and enable industries, organisations and government bodies to voluntarily register and display their progress towards net-zero emissions. Further, the NAPCC Portal was also launched as a centralised digital gateway showcasing India’s overarching National Action Plan on Climate Change, with tracking and insights across national missions. (Press Release: https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2310737&reg=48&lang=2)

Union MoS (EFCC), Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh said India has demonstrated that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. The Minister said India has shown proactive leadership in conservation and has met its commitments under the Montreal Protocol without compromising development. He emphasised that collective action involving governments, scientists, industry, officers and citizens is essential to address environmental challenges.

Shri Singh highlighted Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) as a framework for translating environmental protection into simple, everyday actions. The Minister said mindful utilisation of natural resources, instead of wasteful consumption, can enable citizens to contribute to environmental conservation. He urged citizens to adopt three measures for sustainable cooling: get air-conditioners serviced by certified and skilled technicians who handle refrigerants safely; set AC temperatures at a comfortable level, preferably around 24 degrees Celsius, to save electricity and reduce carbon emissions; and choose high star-rated, energy-efficient appliances using climate-friendly refrigerants.

Smt. Munde said Maharashtra is working towards Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for a developed India by 2047, with a focus on decarbonisation, sustainable development and environment-friendly growth. She said Maharashtra is preparing roadmaps and action plans to integrate ozone-layer protection and climate action, while also advancing energy-efficient and climate-responsive cooling systems and buildings, particularly in view of the State’s rapid urbanisation and rising temperatures.

UNDP Country Head Ms. Angela Lusigi said India’s implementation of the Montreal Protocol demonstrates that economic growth and environmental protection can advance together. Highlighting India’s progress in phasing out ozone-depleting substances, she said the country’s targets have often been achieved ahead of schedule, while promoting low-impact technologies, strengthening small and medium enterprises and training technicians in new refrigerants, creating opportunities for green jobs.

GIZ Country Director and Head Ms. Ulrike Ebeling said that India and Germany are working together to advance climate-friendly cooling solutions and support implementation of the HCFC Phase-out Management Plan Stage III (2025–2030), with a focus on the refrigeration and air-conditioning servicing sector. She highlighted efforts to establish a nationally recognised certification system for air-conditioning technicians, with a target to train 25,000 technicians by 2030, besides strengthening training capacity in the cooling sector.

The event also witnessed the announcement of the adoption of 248 Industrial Training Institutions by 12 Refrigeration and Airconditioning (RAC) manufacturers through a 4-Party Memorandum of Agreement comprising RAC manufacturers, Ozone Cell, Regional Directorate, Directorate General of Training (DGT) and State Directorate, DGT. The initiative is aimed at strengthening training infrastructure for the next generation of technicians. The institutional partnership aims to align classroom learning with industry standards. This synergy will build a workforce skilled in eco-friendly, low-global-warming-potential (GWP) technologies, directly supporting India’s commitments under the Montreal Protocol and the India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP).

Publications based on studies conducted by the Ozone Cell, MoEF&CC were released on the occasion. The event also featured the announcement of winners of a national school-level poster and slogan writing competitions, as well as winners of a national online quiz competition. A video film showcasing India’s proactive industrial transformation and pioneering strides towards a cooler, more sustainable planet was also screened.

India has been a Party to the Vienna Convention for the Protection of the Ozone Layer and the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer and all its amendments since 1992. The country has met all its commitments under the Montreal Protocol schedule for different ozone-depleting substances. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), Carbon tetrachloride (CTC) and Halons have already been phased out for controlled applications, while India is currently phasing out Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) as per the accelerated phase-out schedule of the Montreal Protocol. India has already met the 2015, 2020 and 2025 phase-out targets for HCFCs.

India ratified the Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol in September 2021. The Kigali Amendment came into force for India on 26 December 2021. As per the agreed phase-down schedule, India will complete the phase-down of HFC production and consumption in four steps from 2032 onwards, with reductions of 10 per cent in 2032, 20 per cent in 2037, 30 per cent in 2042 and 85 per cent in 2047, against the baseline.

IITM Pune Observes World Ozone Day 2026 with Mega Beach Clean-up Drive at Nagaon Beach under 'Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0'

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

MUMBAI | 16 SEPTEMBER 2026: The Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune, successfully marked World Ozone Day 2026 today by organizing a massive community-driven Beach Clean-up and Plastic Collection Drive at Nagaon Beach, Mumbai.

Aligning with the Ministry of Earth Sciences' nationwide Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar (SSSS) 5.0 campaign, the event witnessed enthusiastic participation from IITM officials, local representatives, esteemed dignitaries, students, and active community volunteers dedicated to environmental stewardship.

Combating Marine Litter & Protecting Coastal Ecosystems

The Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar 5.0 campaign, running nationwide from 12 to 19 September 2026, serves as a powerful precursor to International Coastal Cleanup Day on 19 September 2026. The nationwide initiative aims to promote ocean conservation, drastically reduce marine litter, advocate for responsible waste management, and safeguard fragile coastal and marine ecosystems.

At Nagaon Beach, the morning commenced with a solemn collective commitment. IITM officials, dignitaries, local community leaders, and student volunteers joined hands to take the SSSS 5.0 Pledge, reaffirming their dedication to maintaining clean beaches, preventing ocean pollution, and fostering sustainable environmental practices in daily life.

As part of the proceedings, the local community's cooperation was formally acknowledged through the felicitation of Mrs. Harshada Mayekar, the honorable Sarpanch of Nagon, Alibaug, Raigad.

Key Highlights of the Observance at Nagaon Beach

High-Impact Participation: Active collaboration among IITM senior scientists, local civic representatives, teachers, and hundreds of spirited student volunteers.
Collective Pledge: Administration of the Swachh Sagar Surakshit Sagar 5.0 Pledge to foster long-term community responsibility toward marine and coastal health.
Actionable Cleanup: Extensive manual segregation and collection of plastic waste, discarded packaging, and non-biodegradable debris along the shoreline.
Responsible Disposal: Systematic handover of all segregated recyclable and non-recyclable plastic waste to local municipal authorities and authorized recycling agencies. Participants worked together to collect, segregate, and responsibly hand over 200 kg of plastic waste to local authorities and authorized agencies.

Community Collaboration & Waste Management

Following the clean-up drive, volunteers methodically sorted the collected waste into designated categories. The accumulated plastic waste was formally handed over to local municipal authorities and authorized waste management agencies for safe recycling and disposal, ensuring zero residual litter left behind on the coastline.

The event concluded with a renewed sense of shared responsibility, as participants and organizers pledged to continue grassroots environmental drives well beyond the campaign week, reinforcing IITM's enduring commitment to scientific outreach and ecological preservation.

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National Webinar on Solid and e-Waste Management organised by the Department of School Education & Literacy

Quiz on Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 to be held for school students from September 17 to October 17, 2026

Target of 7 lakh cleanliness campaigns set under Special Campaign 6.0.

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 9:06PM by PIB Delhi

A National Webinar on Solid and e-Waste Management was organised today in New Delhi, by the Department of School Education & Literacy (DoSEL), Union Ministry of Education, as a lead-up to Swachhata Hi Seva 2026 and Special Campaign 6.0.

Secretary, DoSEL, Shri T. K. Anil Kumar, highlighted the vision of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 towards inculcating environmental awareness and responsible citizenship among school students. He informed that under Special Campaign 5.0, around one lakh school students collected over 4,000 kgs of e-waste, across 10 cities in four States and one Union Territory. He added that effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules 2026 was essential for reducing pollution, conserving resources, promoting recycling and resource recovery and ensuring the safe and scientific management of waste.

Joint Secretary, DoSEL, Dr. Amarpreet Duggal, highlighted the pivotal role of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE in providing a valuable platform for students to understand environmental challenges and develop environmentally responsible attitudes, values and behaviour. She said that the convergence of Swachhata Pakhwada (September 1 to 15, 2026), Swachhata Hi Seva (September 17 - October 17, 2026) and Special Campaign 6.0 (October 2 to 31, 2026), should be seen as an opportunity to deepen the culture of cleanliness and responsible environmental practices among school students and the wider school community.

As part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026, she also announced a Quiz Competition on “Solid Waste Management Rules 2026” for students from Grades 6th to 12th. The quiz will be hosted on the Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE portal from September 17 to October 17, 2026:
https://ecoclubs.education.gov.in/swachhata-hi-seva?start=quiz

The Webinar featured expert presentations on ‘Solid Waste Management’ and a walkthrough of the portal of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, providing participants with an overview of the digital platform and its resources for environmental awareness and student engagement.

Held under the aegis of Eco Clubs for Mission LiFE, the Webinar was aimed at sensitising school students and stakeholders on responsible waste management practices, source segregation, recycling, reuse and safe disposal of solid and electronic waste. More than 2.6 lakh school students, teachers and community members on YouTube participated in the Webinar.

A Portal for Special Campaign 6.0 was also launched today in another event. Speaking on the occasion, Secretary, DoSEL, informed that the Department had set a target of undertaking 7 lakh cleanliness campaigns across the country under Special Campaign 6.0.

Cabinet approves enhancement of EPFO wage ceiling from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 per month

Over 51 lakh additional employees expected to come under mandatory EPFO coverage

Decision strengthens formalisation and advances India’s long-term social security vision

Major step towards stronger retirement security and Viksit Bharat@2047

Posted On: 16 SEP 2026 3:07PM by PIB Delhi

The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal of the Ministry of Labour & Employment to enhance the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 per month. The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees within the ambit of mandatory EPFO coverage, significantly widening social security protection for workers.

The EPFO wage ceiling remained unchanged throughout the decade from 2004 to 2014, before being substantially enhanced to Rs.15,000 in September 2014. The present decision carries forward this approach by further raising the ceiling to Rs.25,000 to reflect the sustained wage growth, rising incomes and a continued expansion of formal employment over the intervening years.

At present, a fresh employee joining employment at a wage above Rs.15,000 per month is not automatically covered under the EPF framework and may remain outside mandatory provident fund, pension and associated insurance protection. Raising the ceiling to Rs.25,000 will bring a substantial segment of employees in the Rs.15,000– Rs.25,000 wage band within the statutory social security framework.

The approval will expand access to provident fund savings, pension protection under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and insurance protection under the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI), in accordance with the applicable scheme provisions. It will also enable the statutory contribution and pensionable-wage framework to better reflect prevailing wage levels.

Since the wage ceiling was last revised in September 2014, India has witnessed sustained wage growth, rising incomes and continued expansion of formal employment. In several States and occupations, minimum wages have also moved closer to the existing threshold. The enhancement to Rs.25,000 therefore updates the EPFO framework in line with rising wage levels and extends the benefits of formal social security to a wider segment of the workforce.

The measure is expected to give a further impetus to formalisation of employment, worker retention and long-term retirement security. By bringing a larger number of employees automatically within the statutory social security framework, the decision strengthens the principle that formal employment should be accompanied by portable and assured social security protection. For employers as well, wider social security coverage can support employee retention, workforce stability, morale and the development of a more secure and future-ready workforce.

The proposal underwent detailed inter-ministerial consultations and was recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee in its meeting held on 16 June 2026. The annual Government outgo is estimated at about Rs.11,339 crore, against the existing annual budgetary support of about Rs.10,250 crore. The estimated expenditure over five years is approximately Rs.56,696 crore.

EPFO today operates one of the world’s largest social security systems, administering the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI). The latest EPFO data show around 7.98 crore contributing members across about 7.68 lakh contributing establishments, while the EPS provides pension benefits to around 82 lakh pensioners. EDLI provides insurance protection linked to EPF membership.

India’s workforce is at the heart of its growth story. As wages rise, incomes improve and formal employment expands, the Government’s continued emphasis on employment generation and formalisation is creating new opportunities for workers. The enhancement of the EPFO wage ceiling ensures that the social security framework also keeps pace with this progress and that a larger number of workers in formal employment receive statutory social security protection.

This approval marks another important step towards building an inclusive, resilient and future-ready social security architecture, ensuring that social protection advances alongside economic growth, rising wages and expanding formal employment as India moves towards Viksit Bharat@2047.

The Ministry of Labour & Employment and EPFO will undertake the necessary statutory and administrative steps for implementation of the decision.