EOBI to establish weekly helpdesk at SAI

KARACHI: Dr Javed Shaikh, acting chairperson of the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), has announced the establishment of an ‘EOBI Helpdesk’ every Monday at the premises of the SITE Association of Industry (SAI) to facilitate members in resolving their EOBI-related issues.

He further assured SITE Association members that their representatives would be included on the board of directors of the EOBI when it is reconstituted.Addressing members of the SITE Association of Industry, Dr Shaikh highlighted the ongoing digitalisation of the EOBI’s systems. He explained that every registered unit has been provided with a user ID and password, enabling employers to directly input employee details and generate vouchers. He noted that only 4.0 per cent of registered units across Pakistan are audited annually, adding that a relaxation policy has been implemented, allowing for audits to be conducted every two years instead of annually.

Responding to a query from Saleem Parekh, chief coordinator of the association, Dr Shaikh clarified that government departments are not within the EOBI’s purview. He expressed his understanding of employers’ concerns and recommended that the association advocate for fixed EOBI contributions and relaxations for employers who pay gratuity to their workers, in discussions with the federal government.Dr Shaikh informed participants that the EOBI fund currently stands at Rs532 billion, which is being reinvested into various schemes. He also said that the EOBI disburses Rs5 billion monthly in pensions to registered workers and reported an improvement in EOBI collections in recent months. During the meeting, Dr Shaikh directed the EOBI regional head, who was present, to ensure that the association is contacted before any notices are issued under Section 81.

Earlier, Ahmed Azeem Alvi, president of the SITE Association of Industry, acknowledged the challenges faced by Karachi’s industrialists, including high electricity rates and inadequate infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, he commended the efforts of industrialists to keep their operations running.