Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji (SR)

Panaji, Aug 13: Goa’s department of labour and employment, has eliminated the physical process of filing annual returns under different labour laws, by going digital. The new policy change is part of the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), outlined by the Union ministry of commerce and industry.

As reported in TOI, Jayant Tari, commissioner for labour and employment, said that firms will now have to file their returns and comply with labour laws in electronic format on the Goa online website. “Therefore, all the employers, contractors, users and other concerned persons are hereby directed to file their returns in respect to applicable acts and rules only through online system,” Tari said.

BJP led central government in the past had stressed on e-governance which is an essential part of the Digital India mission, which is the pet project of P M Modi. Goa online e-services portal is the state government's initiative to meet the reforms recommended by the Centre.

Jayant Tari said, “As part of the ease of doing business initiative of the ministry of commerce, the department for promotion of industry and internal trade has proposed several reforms. Accordingly, the department has accepted the mandate of filing of returns under 10 labour laws by online single integrated or consolidated form and maintenance of all registers and records under the act and rules there under in electronic format.”

The Goa online portal was launched under the tenure of previous revenue minister Rohan Khaunte. The web portal, designed by Goa Electronics Limited, enables public to access various government services at any time without visiting any government office.