NEW DELHI, MAY 26, 2016: THE National Academy For Training & Research In Social Security (NATRSS) has been renamed  as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS). In a renaming function held here today, the Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment Mr Bandaru dedicated the renamed “Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) ”. He also unveiled a modernization plan for PDUNASS in New Delhi.

Speaking at the occasion, he said that EPFO touches the lives of millions of Indians through delivery of Social Security benefits in the nature of Provident Fund, Pension and Insurance as mandated under EPF & MP Act 1952.  It is one of the world's largest Social Security Organisations with 4 crore active subscribers.

It has been recognized internationally that periodic and systematic training is an indispensable tool to promote the efficiency and responsiveness of any Organisation's work force. Training and Research in the area of Social security thus becomes important in addressing the changing needs of the society and continuous upgrade of skills and services. The Academy has though made a name for itself, it must think about repositioning itself to the changing needs of EPFO and the society in the area of Social Security.

The minister said “I would like PDUNASS to grow into an International Centre of excellence in the field of Social Security studies”. The modernization plan envisions PDUNASS becoming a focal point for training and research relating to Social Security for SAARC and BRICS countries. The PDUNASS must become a think tank for EPFO and it must come out with new schemes, initiatives to keep EPFO in the forefront. Training at Zonal Training Institutes of PUDNASS be strengthened as it is the Staff who deliver services and meet the stakeholders at the ground level”.

Given the pre-eminent position that India enjoys in SAARC, it is appropriate that India's foremost Social Security Organisation EPFO, takes a lead in fulfilling the training needs of the other constituent countries of SAARC. The Minister therefore announced that PDUNASS will be developed as an international centre of excellence in the area of Social Security Administration and Research. To begin with participation of officers from Social Security Agencies in the South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation (SAARC) countries would be invited. Social Security Professionals from the BRICS group of countries would be associated for experience sharing and learnings. Collaboration with a reputed University shall also be explored to lend academic support and recognition to the research related work done by PDUNASS.

In line with the practices in reputed research centres, PDUNASS will be encouraged to explore and provide consulting services on needs of Social Security Administrators nationally and internationally. Research papers on specific topics in Labour economics will be published by PDUNASS at regular intervals.