Induction training program of the DR Personal Assistant 2025 Batch No.: V11/64/PDUNASS/InductionTraining/PA/2025-Batch/E-1249492/ 250 dated 12/06/2026

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30-31, संस्थागत क्षेत्र, जनकपुरी, नई दिल्ली -110058 30-31, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi – 110058 | Phone: 011 41068650 | Email: natrss@epfindia.gov.in No.: V11/64/PDUNASS/InductionTraining/PA/2025-Batch/E-1249492/ 250 Date: 12.06.2026 To, 1. ACC(HQ)/ ACCs, Zonal Offices (ZOs) 2. ACC, PDUNASS Faridabad Campus 3. RPFC-I/Officer-in-Charge (OICs), Regional Offices (ROs) Subject: Induction training program of the Direct Recruit (DR) Personal Assistants (PA) of the 2025 Batch Madam/Sir, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) is conducting the Induction Training Program for Direct Recruit Personal Assistants of 2025 Batch. There are eighteen (18) numbers of newly joined Personal Assistant (PA) who are currently working in the EPFO offices, to whom Induction training is to be imparted (list enclosed at Annexure-I). The residential program will be of four weeks and will be conducted at PDUNASS Faridabad Campus (Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji Centre) from 29th June 2026 to 24th July 2026. Prior to this, PAs are required to have completed Online Training on the iGOT platform for which the list of 142 courses is attached at Page 67 to 70 of Induction Course Booklet at Annexure-II. The list of iGOT courses along with the instructions for implementation of 8 weeks On-the-Job Training (OJT) and Mentorship Program for newly recruited Personal Assistants were earlier issued vide Letter No.: V11/64/PDUNASS/InductionTraning/PA/2025- Batch/831 dated 26th February, 2026 (Annexure-III). At the time of attending the training at the Faridabad Campus, trainees are required to provide to the local course coordinator “Certificate of Completion” (duly signed by the Officer-In Charge in respect of field offices/ concerned RPFC-I in respect of other offices) stating that the trainee has completed all the 142 prescribed courses of iGOT. Trainee officers are also required to carry their On-the-Job Training Journal/Diary, duly signed by the OIC of their present place of posting/Reporting officer in respect of other offices, along with their office orders and other relevant records pertaining to activities completed पंडित दीनदयाल उपाध्याय राष्ट्रीय सामादजक सुरक्षा अकािमी कर्मचारी भडिष्य डनडि संगठन, श्रर् एिं रोज़गार र्ंत्रालय, भारत सरकार PANDIT DEENDAYAL UPADHYAYA NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SECURITY Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India during mentorship program, at the time of reporting for Campus phase of the Induction training COurse. RPFC-/ll posted at PDUNASS Faridabad campus will be the Local Course Director. The ACC. Faridabad Campus shall guide the local course director and closely monitor the progress of the training program to ensure the smooth exccution of the Induction Training Program. The Conduct rules and regulation for the Induction course are available in Induction Training booklet enclosed as Annexure-lI. All trainees are advised to go through these instructions meticulously and are directed to ensure strict compliance with these rules. No exemption from the training program is permissible for any reasons whatsoever unless approved by the Director, PDUNASS. AIl the O1Cs are requested to advise the trainee officer nominated for the induction training course to attend to all the requirements of the Induction training course and to impress upon them about the need to strictly adhere to all the program guidelines. Trainees should make their travel arrangements in advance, to ensure that they report for designated phase of the induction course just in time i.e. not more than 24 hours before the start of the relevant phase of the induction course. The ACC HỌ/ ACC are requested to closely monitor the progres and ensure that the various guidelines communicated from time to time, are strictly adhered to. Co-operation of all concerned is solicited in achieving the objectives of Induction training program for the DR Personal Assistant 2025 batch. Enclosed: (This issues with the approval of the Director, PDUNASS) 1. Annexure-1, List of nominated PAs, 1 Page 2. Annexure-l1, Induction Training Booklet, 72 Pages 3. Annexure-III, Letter dated 26.02.2026, 2 Pages Copy for information to: 1. PS to CPFC 2. RPFC-I HRM 30-31, HRTG AA yft, T fcrfi -110058 Yours faith fully. (Ram Anand) Regional PF Commissioner-1, PDUNASS 30-31, Institutional Area, Janakpuri, New Delhi - 1l0058 | Phone: 011 41068650 | Email: natrss@ epfindia.gov.in List of Participants for PA Induction Course From 29th June to 24th July, 2026 Venue: PDUNASS Faridabad Campus Sr. No. ROLL NO. NAME OF CANDIDATE (Sh./Ms.) Posting 1 2603150 Akshita Pandey RO, Lucknow 2 6300880 Rajeev Dhankhar RO, Gurugram (West) 3 5400272 Shani Pal RO, Dehradun 4 6900094 Anushree Muley RO, Gwalior 5 3700046 Rengarajan S ZO, Chennai 6 6901314 Sakshi Sharma RO, Indore 7 5901453 Sakshi Pal Head Office 8 0804041 Mohit Bhandari Head Office 9 7100219 Raunak Hurkat RO, Jodhpur 10 0401350 Sonam Choulkar ZTI, Ujjain 11 0809921 Anjali IS Division, Dwarka, Delhi 12 5200518 Aastha Acharaj RO, Kota 13 5901322 Ajay Saini Head Office 14 2602784 Rishabh Singh Head Office 15 0200306 Prince Raj Pandey RO, Allahabad 16 5901141 Mohd Faizan Head Office 17 0819037 Yogesh Tiwari Head Office 18 0401324 Sheetal Head Office कमचारी भवष्य नध संगठन, श्रम एवं रोज़गार मंत्राालय, भारत सरकार Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation, Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India Induction Course Personal Assistant DR 2025 Batch Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security Building Competence, Integrity, and Compassion in Service GANDHI’S TALISMAN "I will give you a talisman. Whenever you are in doubt, or when the self becomes too much with you, apply the following test. Recall the face of the poorest and the weakest man [woman] whom you may have seen, and ask yourself, if the step you contemplate is going to be of any use to him [her]. Will he [she] gain anything by it? Will it restore him[her] to a control over his [her] own life and destiny? In other words, will it lead to swaraj [freedom] for the hungry and spiritually starving millions? Then you will find your doubts and yourself melt away." -One of the last notes left behind by Gandhi in 1948, expressing his deepest social thought. Source: Mahatma Gandhi - The Last Phase, Vol. II (1958), p.65 CONTENTS Sr. No. TOPICS Page No. MESSAGE DEAN’S DESK 6 MESSAGE DIRECTOR’S DESK 7 MESSAGE COURSE DIRECTOR DESK 8 1. PDUNASS STORY 9 2. PDUNASS LOGO 11 3. EPFO PERSONAL ASSISTANT: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES 14 4. QUALITIES OF A GOOD PA 21 5. INDUCTION COURSE AT A GLANCE 24 6. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM 29 7. PDUNASS PROBATIONER PAs ACTIVITY CHECKLIST 36 8. MENTOR/PA PROBATIONER EVALUATION FORM 37 9. SESSION PLANS 40 10. 14-WEEKS OJT FOR PA CADRE 48 11. EXPECTATIONS FROM OFFICER TRAINEES 50 12. CONDUCT, RULES AND REGULATIONS 54 13. DRESS CODE 56 14. LEAVE OF ABSENCE 57 15. CHECKLIST FOR ESCORT OFFICERS OF GUEST FACULTY 58 16. MESS ETIQUETTE 62 17. DOs & DON’Ts 65 18. LIST OF iGoT COURSES 66 6 Dean’s message… Ramesh Krishnamurthi CPFC & Dean, PDUNASS Dear Trainees, It gives me immense pleasure to welcome you as you commence your induction training and begin your professional journey in public service with the EPFO. The Personal Assistant occupies a position of trust and responsibility within the Organisation. In today's technology-driven environment, the role extends beyond traditional secretarial functions to encompass communication, coordination, information management, and administrative support, enabling officers to discharge their responsibilities effectively. This induction program has been carefully designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of EPFO's mandate, functions, systems, and work culture while equipping you with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required for your role. Equally important, it seeks to instil the values, work ethic, and service orientation that will guide you throughout your career. I encourage you to approach this program with curiosity, discipline, and an eagerness to learn. Participate actively, engage with faculty members and fellow trainees, and make the most of every learning opportunity. The knowledge, skills, and professional values acquired during this formative period will serve as a strong foundation for your future growth and success. I wish you a productive training experience and a distinguished, and fulfilling career in EPFO. Best Wishes, (Ramesh Krishnamurthi) 7 Director’s message… Kumar Rohit ACC (HQ) & Director, PDUNASS Dear Trainees, It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to PDUNASS and congratulate you on your successful selection to the Personal Assistant cadre of EPFO. As you begin your professional journey, you are joining a cadre that plays a vital role in supporting effective administration and organizational efficiency. In today's technology- enabled workplace, Personal Assistants contribute through communication, coordination, office management, and professional support to officers at various levels of the Organisation. This induction program has been designed to provide you with a practical understanding of EPFO's mandate, organizational framework, systems, procedures, and work culture. Through classroom learning, interactive sessions, practical exercises, and experience-sharing, the program aims to equip you with the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies required to perform your responsibilities with confidence and effectiveness. I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity by approaching the training with curiosity, discipline, and a commitment to learning. Engage actively with the faculty, interact with your fellow participants, and use this period to build a strong foundation for your future career. The faculty and staff of PDUNASS remain committed to supporting your learning and professional development. I wish you a productive training experience and a successful, fulfilling, and distinguished career in EPFO. Best Wishes (Kumar Rohit) 8 Course Director’s message… Ram Anand RPFC-I Dear Trainees, It is my privilege to welcome you to the Induction Training Program for Direct Recruit Personal Assistants (PA) – 2025 Batch at the PDUNASS Campus, Faridabad. This program marks the beginning of your professional journey in EPFO and has been designed to prepare you for the responsibilities and opportunities that lie ahead. Over the next four weeks, you will gain exposure to the functional, procedural, technological, and behavioural aspects of your role. The program seeks not only to familiarize you with the systems, processes, and work culture of EPFO but also to develop the professional competencies required of a modern PA in a digital and dynamic work environment. The faculty and resource persons associated with this program bring with them rich experience and practical insights. I encourage you to participate actively, ask questions, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. The classroom is not merely a place for acquiring knowledge but also for developing perspective, confidence, and professional judgement. As future members of a trusted cadre, remember that efficiency, integrity, discretion and a service-oriented approach will be your greatest strengths. While rules and procedures provide the framework, it is professionalism and commitment that transform work into public service. I wish you a rewarding learning experience and look forward to witnessing your growth into competent and confident professionals who will contribute to the success of EPFO. Best Wishes (Ram Anand) 9 1. PDUNASS STORY The Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) is the premier training and research institution of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), dedicated to advancing knowledge and capacity building in the field of social security. The Academy is named in honour of Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya, an eminent Indian political philosopher and visionary leader whose ideas continue to inspire the nation’s approach to inclusive development. Originally established as the National Institute for Training and Research in Social Security (NITRSS) on 22 October 1990, the institution was later renamed the National Academy for Training and Research in Social Security (NATRSS) on 9 November 1992 to better reflect its eminence in the national and international context. As part of a comprehensive modernization plan aimed at aligning with the evolving expectations of the EPFO and the expanding scope of social security administration, the Academy was re-named as Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) on 25 May 2016. PDUNASS functions through a two-tier structure. The apex academy in New Delhi caters to the training and research needs of Group ‘A’ officers of EPFO, while a network of regional campuses focuses on capacity building for supervisory and operational cadres. The campuses and sub-campus under PDUNASS are as follows: • PDUNASS Faridabad Campus (Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerji Centre) • PDUNASS Chennai Campus • PDUNASS Kolkata Campus • PDUNASS Ujjain Campus • PDUNASS Shillong Sub-Campus These campuses serve as regional centers for professional development, providing structured training to EPFO personnel, field offices, and other stakeholders. The focus is on enhancing operational efficiency, promoting consistent service delivery, and strengthening the implementation of social security schemes such as the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), and Employees’ Deposit- Linked Insurance Scheme (EDLI). 10 The Academy’s overarching objective is to promote capacity building, knowledge enhancement, and service excellence among the officers and staff of EPFO, thereby improving the quality and reach of social security delivery to millions of beneficiaries across India. The PDUNASS campuses aim to improve the capacity building of EPFO staff and to enhance the delivery of services to the organization's stakeholders. One of the functions of the national academy is to conduct international training programs. These programs are aimed at building the capacity of social security practitioners and policymakers from other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond. The international training programs cover a wide range of topics related to social security administration, such as pension schemes, provident funds, and social insurance programs. The aim of these programs is to enhance the knowledge and skills of participants and to promote the exchange of ideas and best practices in the field of social security administration. The training curriculum at PDUNASS covers various aspects of social security, such as pensions, insurance, health care, and welfare programs. The national academy is committed to promoting the principles of social justice and equitable access to social security for all citizens. 11 2. PDUNASS LOGO PDUNASS logo was unveiled by the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 25th February, 2025 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The logo was designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad. The Concept of this logo evolved by combining multiple idea that PDUNASS sought to convey such as being innovation driven social security organisation, universal coverage and ensuring seamless service, transparency ensuring ease of living involving three stakeholders, Employees, Citizen (Indian or Internation) and Central as well as State Government as one. This highlighted the need to incorporate symbology of national, global, networking, growth, learning/training and prosperity. 12 The concept of this logo symbol is evolved from the idea of a human network forming a bonding and blossoming into a flower, giving importance to different stakeholders forming community bonding and harmony. It also has hidden symbolism of a ‘deepak’ (clay lamp) representing light of hope, an open book representing attainment of knowledge and a peripheral shape represents global growth from a seed of gear that it inherits from the EPFO logo. The colours, Red and Blue, have direct connection to its roots from the EPFO. The ideation of logo symbol art form is inspired from the Indian National symbols, such as the peacock and the Indian Lotus. The radiance of petal shapes formation into periphery also has a symbol connection with the atomic charge. The quote ‘Pragyanam Brahm’ as a message in the logo meant as ‘knowledge is attainment of God’. Overall form represents the ‘networking of Rombus’, symbolizing ‘Flower of Life’ in sacred geometry— a symbol of strength, balance, harmony and positivity. Symbolism of the blooming Indian Lotus is associated with the Sun— denoting eternity, plenty and good fortune. It represents creation, regeneration and re-birth symbolizing life. It is compared with the human heart in the Atharva Veda. It also holds 13 medico-botanical significance, stands for purity, beauty, longevity and health in its association as Kamalasana for Padma (Lakshmi)— the Goddess of prosperity and with Saraswati, Goddess of knowledge. Symbolically, it connects to Brahma, the God of creation and Vishnu, the caretaker. The pattern new logo emerges as a growth from the seed, a per EPFO logo colour code strongly representing its origin in EFFO. It intends to represent PDUNASS’s present strengths and future ambitions of its image, brand-building, networking to become an energetic training center to help learners aspire global reach in social security, and fuel its growth into an energetic global organisation, built on trust, bonding while remaining rooted, balanced and grounded. 14 3. EPFO PERSONAL ASSISTANT PERSONAL ASSISTANT: ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), one of the largest social security organizations in the world, has undergone a significant digital transformation over the last decade. The introduction of the Universal Account Number (UAN), online claims processing, e-office systems, digital records management, virtual meetings, online grievance redressal platforms, and integrated IT applications has fundamentally changed the manner in which official work is conducted across the Head Office, Zonal Offices, Regional Offices, and National Data Centre (NDC). In this evolving environment, the role of the Personal Assistant (PA) has transformed from that of a traditional stenographic and secretarial functionary to that of a technology-enabled executive support professional. A Personal Assistant today acts as a vital administrative partner to senior officers by facilitating communication, managing information, ensuring timely disposal of work, and supporting decision-making through efficient coordination and digital office management. The effectiveness of a senior officer often depends upon the efficiency, professionalism, and reliability of the Personal Assistant attached to him or her. The PA therefore occupies a position of trust, responsibility, and confidentiality within the organization. The primary role of a Personal Assistant is to provide secretarial, administrative, communication, and coordination support to the officer with whom he or she is attached. The PA serves as an important interface between the officer, subordinate offices, employees, stakeholders, and external agencies. The role encompasses the following broad functions: 1) Executive Support The PA assists the officer in managing official engagements, communications, meetings, and correspondence, thereby enabling the officer to focus on policy formulation, administration, and decision-making. 15 2) Information Management The PA ensures that information reaches the officer in a timely and organized manner and that decisions taken by the officer are communicated promptly to concerned sections and offices. 3) Coordination and Communication The PA acts as a coordination link among various divisions, sections, field offices, ministries, training institutions, service providers, and stakeholders. 4) Digital Office Facilitation In the era of e-Office and paperless governance, the PA plays an important role in facilitating electronic workflow management and ensuring smooth digital operations. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES OF A PERSONAL ASSISTANT 1) Management of Electronic Correspondence With the increasing use of digital communication, a substantial part of official correspondence is now conducted through e-mail, e-Office, video conferencing platforms, and online portals. The PA is expected to: • Monitor official e-mail accounts regularly. • Bring important communications to the notice of the officer. • Draft replies and acknowledgements as instructed. • Ensure timely dissemination of instructions received from higher authorities. • Maintain digital records of important communications. • Track pending communications and follow-up actions. 2) Diary and Calendar Management One of the most important responsibilities of a PA is managing the officer's schedule. This includes: • Maintaining daily, weekly, and monthly calendars. • Scheduling meetings, conferences, inspections, and official visits. 16 • Coordinating appointments with internal and external stakeholders. • Avoiding scheduling conflicts. • Providing reminders regarding important engagements. • Managing virtual meeting schedules. In today's environment, digital calendars and scheduling tools have largely replaced manual appointment diaries. 3) Management of e-Office and Digital Files EPFO is progressively adopting paperless office practices. Consequently, the PA is expected to be proficient in e-Office systems. Responsibilities include: • Monitoring electronic files submitted for approval. • Ensuring timely movement of files. • Tracking pendency and priority cases. • Assisting the officer in locating relevant documents and references. • Maintaining electronic records and archives. • Ensuring compliance with file management procedures. The PA often serves as the first point of scrutiny for incoming files before they are placed before the officer. 4) Preparation of Drafts, Notes and Communications The PA may assist in: • Drafting routine correspondence. • Preparing speaking points and briefing notes. • Compiling information for meetings. • Preparing minutes of meetings. • Drafting reminders and follow-up communications. • Formatting official documents and presentations. 17 A good command over official language, drafting conventions, and government communication practices is therefore essential. 5) Stenography and Recording of Proceedings Although technology has reduced dependence on traditional shorthand, stenographic skills continue to be relevant. The PA may be required to: • Take dictation from senior officers. • Transcribe notes and instructions. • Record proceedings of meetings. • Prepare minutes accurately and promptly. • Capture important decisions and action points. The ability to produce error-free documents within prescribed timelines remains a key professional requirement. 6) Management of Meetings and Conferences Personal Assistants play a critical role in organizing meetings. Their responsibilities include: • Issuing meeting notices. • Coordinating with participants. • Preparing agenda papers. • Arranging conference facilities. • Organizing video conferences and hybrid meetings. • Recording minutes and decisions. • Monitoring compliance with action points. In many cases, the PA acts as the logistical coordinator for important meetings chaired by senior officers. 7) Coordination with Offices and Stakeholders EPFO functions through a vast network of offices across the country. Effective coordination is therefore essential. The PA may be required to interact with: 18 • Head Office Divisions. • Zonal Offices. • Regional Offices. • Training Institutions. • Government Ministries. • Public Sector Organizations. • Vendors and service providers. • Employees and pensioners. Professional communication, courtesy, and responsiveness are essential attributes in this role. 8) Confidentiality and Information Security A Personal Assistant frequently handles sensitive information relating to: • Personnel matters. • Vigilance cases. • Financial matters. • Policy decisions. • Recruitment and promotion processes. • Court and legal matters. Accordingly, the PA must: • Maintain absolute confidentiality. • Follow cybersecurity guidelines. • Protect passwords and digital credentials. • Prevent unauthorized access to official information. • Exercise discretion in handling sensitive records. Trustworthiness is one of the most important qualities expected from a Personal Assistant. 19 9) Support during Official Tours and Events The PA may assist in planning and coordinating: • Official tours. • Training programs. • Workshops. • Conferences. • Review meetings. • Public outreach programs. Tasks may include travel arrangements, scheduling, document preparation, and coordination with host offices. 10) Data Management and Presentation Modern officers increasingly rely on data-driven decision-making. A Personal Assistant should therefore possess working knowledge of: • Word processing applications. • Spreadsheet software. • Presentation software. • Online collaboration tools. • Digital document management systems. The ability to organize information and present it in a clear and professional manner greatly enhances the officer's effectiveness. Additionally, a Modern Personal Assistant should possess following Professional, Behavioural and Organizational Competencies to effectively carry out his/her role and responsibilities. Professional competencies • Stenography and typing skills. • Drafting and communication skills. 20 • Knowledge of office procedures. • Understanding of EPFO functions and schemes. • Digital literacy and IT proficiency. Behavioural Competencies • Integrity and confidentiality. • Professionalism. • Time management. • Interpersonal skills. • Adaptability. • Initiative and problem-solving ability. Organizational Competencies • Coordination skills. • Attention to detail. • Ability to work under pressure. • Capacity to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. The role of the Personal Assistant in EPFO has evolved considerably from traditional secretarial support to comprehensive executive assistance in a digitally enabled work environment. While stenographic competence remains important, today's PA is equally expected to be proficient in e-Office systems, digital communication, information management, meeting coordination, and electronic records management. As EPFO continues its journey towards greater digitization and citizen-centric service delivery, Personal Assistants will play an increasingly important role in supporting organizational efficiency, facilitating effective governance, and ensuring seamless communication between officers, offices, and stakeholders. A competent, technologically proficient, and professionally committed Personal Assistant is therefore an indispensable contributor to the success of the Organization. 21 4. QUALITIES OF A GOOD PA The Personal Assistant occupies a position of trust and responsibility in the administrative framework of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. The effectiveness of a senior officer is often enhanced by the efficiency, professionalism, and reliability of the Personal Assistant attached to him or her. In the contemporary digital environment, a Personal Assistant is expected to possess not only technical competence but also a wide range of professional and personal attributes. The following qualities are considered essential for a successful Personal Assistant in EPFO: Professional Integrity and Ethics 1) Integrity – Demonstrates honesty and adherence to ethical standards at all times. 2) Trustworthiness – Earns and maintains the confidence of officers and colleagues. 3) Confidentiality – Protects sensitive official information from unauthorized disclosure. 4) Loyalty to the Organisation – Places organizational interests above personal preferences. 5) Sense of Responsibility – Takes ownership of assigned tasks and commitments. Professional Competence 6) Excellent Communication Skills – Communicates clearly, accurately, and professionally. 7) Proficiency in Drafting – Prepares official communications with clarity and precision. 8) Stenographic Skills – Maintains proficiency in shorthand and transcription. 9) Typing Accuracy – Produces error-free documents efficiently. 10) Knowledge of Office Procedures – Understands EPFO office processes. 11) Digital Literacy – Effectively utilizes computers and office software. 12) e-Office Proficiency – Works efficiently on digital file management systems. 13) Record Management Skills – Organizes and retrieves information systematically. 14) Presentation Skills – Assists in preparing professional reports and presentations. 22 15) Attention to Detail – Detects errors, omissions, and inconsistencies promptly. Organisational Skills 16) Time Management – Prioritizes tasks and manages deadlines effectively. 17) Planning Ability – Anticipates requirements and plans work systematically. 18) Organizational Ability – Maintains order and efficiency in office operations. 19) Follow-up Skills – Ensures timely completion of assigned tasks and decisions. 20) Coordination Skills – Facilitates smooth interaction among stakeholders. 21) Meeting Management Skills – Organizes meetings and monitors action points efficiently. 22) Calendar Management Skills – Maintains schedules and appointments effectively. 23) Multi-tasking Ability – Handles multiple assignments simultaneously. 24) Prioritization Skills – Distinguishes urgent matters from routine work. 25) Resourcefulness – Finds practical solutions to administrative challenges. Personal Effectiveness 26) Self-Discipline – Maintains consistency and professionalism in work habits. 27) Punctuality – Values time and adheres to schedules. 28) Reliability – Can be depended upon for timely and accurate work. 29) Commitment to Excellence – Strives for high standards of performance. 30) Positive Attitude – Approaches work with enthusiasm and optimism. 31) Adaptability – Adjusts effectively to changing circumstances and technologies. 32) Initiative – Takes proactive action without waiting for instructions. 33) Problem-Solving Ability – Identifies issues and proposes practical solutions. 34) Decision-Support Capability – Assists officers through timely information and analysis. 35) Stress Management – Performs effectively under pressure. 23 Interpersonal Competence 36) Courtesy – Demonstrates politeness and respect in all interactions. 37) Professional Demeanour – Maintains dignity and decorum befitting public service. 38) Empathy – Understands the concerns and perspectives of others. 39) Patience – Handles difficult situations calmly and maturely. 40) Active Listening – Pays careful attention to instructions and discussions. 41) Team Spirit – Works cooperatively with colleagues and stakeholders. 42) Diplomacy – Manages sensitive situations tactfully. 43) Conflict Management Skills – Helps resolve disagreements constructively. 44) Networking Ability – Builds productive professional relationships. 45) Customer Orientation – Treats visitors, employees, and stakeholders with professionalism and respect. Leadership and Professional Growth 46) Learning Orientation – Continuously updates knowledge and skills. 47) Innovation Mindset – Embraces new ideas and improved work methods. 48) Accountability – Accepts responsibility for actions and outcomes. 49) Professional Maturity – Exercises sound judgment and discretion. 50) Commitment to Public Service Values – Upholds the principles of transparency, efficiency, fairness, and citizen-centric governance. A Personal Assistant is much more than a secretarial functionary. In the modern EPFO ecosystem, the PA serves as a trusted aide, coordinator, communicator, information manager, and facilitator of efficient administration. The possession and continuous development of these qualities enable a Personal Assistant to provide effective support to senior officers and contribute meaningfully to the achievement of EPFO's mission of delivering social security services to millions of members and pensioners across the country. 24 5. INDUCTION COURSE AT A GLANCE The Personal Assistant cadre occupies a unique and strategically important position in the administrative framework of EPFO. A Personal Assistant functions as a trusted aide to senior officers and serves as an important link between the officer, various administrative units, stakeholders, and the public. In the contemporary digital environment, the role of a PA extends far beyond traditional stenographic functions and encompasses electronic office management, digital communication, records management, meeting coordination, information management, and executive support. Recognizing the importance of developing professionally competent, technologically proficient, and ethically grounded PDUNASS has designed this four-week Induction Training Program for the Direct Recruit Personal Assistants (PA) – 2025 Batch. The program is scheduled to be conducted at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mookerji Centre, PDUNASS Faridabad Campus, from 29th June 2026 to 24th July 2026, followed by evaluations. The training program seeks to facilitate a smooth transition from recruitment to professional service by providing participants with the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values necessary for effective functioning within the EPFO ecosystem. AIM OF THE PROGRAM The Induction Training Program aims to transform newly recruited Personal Assistants into competent, confident, technology-enabled, and professionally committed executive support professionals capable of effectively assisting officers and contributing to the efficient functioning of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE: To equip the newly recruited Personal Assistants with the knowledge, skills, professional competencies, and organizational orientation required to effectively perform their secretarial, administrative, communication, coordination, and digital office management responsibilities within the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation. 25 Secondary Objectives: • The program aims to achieve the following specific objectives: • To familiarize participants with the organizational structure, functions, schemes, and strategic role of EPFO in India's social security framework. • To provide a sound understanding of Government office procedures, administrative practices, record management, and secretarial functions relevant to EPFO. • To strengthen professional skills relating to stenography, drafting, note-taking, transcription, correspondence management, and executive assistance. • To develop proficiency in e-Office systems, digital workflows, electronic records management, and online communication platforms used within EPFO. • To enhance verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills required for effective interaction with officers, colleagues, stakeholders, and the public. • To improve official correspondence, noting, drafting, report writing, email etiquette, and professional communication skills. • To impart practical skills in managing appointments, meetings, schedules, priorities, and workflow in a professional office environment. • To cultivate awareness regarding confidentiality, cybersecurity, data protection, and responsible handling of official information. • To inculcate values of integrity, accountability, impartiality, confidentiality, discipline, ethical conduct, responsiveness, professionalism and commitment to public service. • To encourage a culture of innovation, adaptability, self-improvement, and lifelong learning in response to evolving technologies and organizational requirements. • To enhance teamwork, stakeholder management, conflict resolution, customer service orientation, and professional relationship management. • To develop an understanding of public service values and encourage commitment towards organizational goals and stakeholder satisfaction. LEARNING OUTCOMES Upon successful completion of the program, the participants will be able to: • Understand the mandate, vision, mission, and organizational structure of EPFO. 26 • Appreciate the role of social security in national development. • Understand the duties, responsibilities, and expectations associated with the PA cadre. • Gain familiarity with Government office procedures and administrative systems. • Understand the principles of official communication and record management. • Acquire knowledge of organizational protocols, etiquette, and workplace conduct. • Manage executive schedules, meetings, and official correspondence effectively. • Operate e-Office systems and digital workflow platforms efficiently. • Draft official communications and prepare meeting records professionally. • Maintain electronic and physical records systematically. • Utilize office productivity tools for documentation and presentation. • Coordinate effectively with officers, offices, and stakeholders. • Apply problem-solving and decision-support techniques in administrative situations. • Demonstrate professionalism and integrity in official dealings. • Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion while handling sensitive information. • Display accountability and commitment towards organizational objectives. • Exhibit teamwork, cooperation, and positive work attitudes. • Develop confidence in interacting with officers, colleagues, and stakeholders. • Adopt a proactive and service-oriented approach towards assigned responsibilities. • Contribute to efficient office administration. • Facilitate timely decision-making and communication. • Support the digital transformation initiatives of EPFO. • Promote transparency, responsiveness, and professionalism in public service delivery. • Function as dependable executive support professionals within the Organization. 27 TRAINING PHILOSPHY The Induction Training Program is founded on the principle that professional excellence is achieved through the integration of knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. The program therefore combines classroom learning, practical exercises, case studies, simulations, hands-on digital training, group discussions, and experiential learning opportunities. The training seeks not merely to impart procedural knowledge but also to develop the confidence, professionalism, and organizational commitment required of a modern Personal Assistant serving in a premier public institution. "A competent Personal Assistant is not merely an administrator of schedules and correspondence; he or she is a trusted professional who enables leadership, facilitates governance, and contributes to the effective delivery of social security services." 28 TRAINING PERSPECTIVE VISION An innovation driven social security organisation aiming to extend universal coverage and ensuring Nirbadh (Seamless and uninterrupted) service delivery to its stakeholders through state-of-the-art technology. MISSION • To meet the evolving needs of comprehensive social security in a transparent, contactless, faceless and paperless manner. • To ensure Nirbadh services with multi-locational and auto claim settlement process for disaster proofing EPFO. • To ensure ease of living for members and pensioners, and ease of doing business for employers by leveraging Government of India’s technology platforms for reaching out to millions. EPFO@2047 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fePZckHau2Q 29 6. MENTORSHIP PROGRAM BACKGROUND The objectives of PDUNASS mentorship program are as follows: PDUNASS has established a program where a cadre of experienced mentors can counsel and provide trainee officers with support and motivation. These mentors can provide individuals with insights including unspoken rules, politics, and nuances, while providing individuals with perspectives and solutions to errors that may have been caused by an individual’s inexperience or naiveté. Finally, the Mentor can help to develop the careers of individuals and mould them towards nation building approach keeping the principles behind ease of doing business and citizen centric service delivery. DEFINITION OF MENTORSHIP Mentorship is a relationship between two individuals, in which the more experienced, teaches a less knowledgeable individual with the goal of providing the inexperienced person with an experienced partner to guide and nurture their development. OBJECTIVES OF MENTORSHIP PROGRAM The objectives of PDUNASS mentorship program are as follows: • To promote the personal and professional well-being of the new DR PA. • To develop the knowledge, skills and competencies needed by DR PA to be successful. • To provide an opportunity for analysis of their skills and knowledge through coaching. • To improve the skill sets of both the probationer PA and the mentor. SPECIFIC ROLES The mentoring program involves three components, the mentor, the probationer PA, and the PDUNASS. The following are the roles for each of the components: Role of the Mentor 30 • Accepts the probationer DR PA: The mentor formally takes on the responsibility of guiding and supporting the mentee during their probation period, • Skilled at providing support: This includes offering encouragement, emotional support, and practical assistance with tasks and challenges. • Committed to being the role of mentor: The mentor demonstrates a long-term commitment to the relationship, understanding that mentorship is a journey of a continuous learning and development. • Model of continuous learning: The mentor actively seeks new knowledge and skills, demonstrating the values of ongoing professional development and encouraging the mentee to do the same. • Communicates hope and optimism: The mentor conveys a positive outlook and encourages to persevere, even when facing setbacks or challenges. • Leader as a nurturer: The mentor guides the mentee’s growth and development by fostering their skills confidence, and professional capabilities, acting as a positive influence and role model. The role of mentor focuses on guidance, advice, and fostering growth, rather than directly solving problems or taking on their workload. Role of the probationer PAs • The mentee must be open to and accept mentorship, understanding that it is a valuable tool for learning and development. • The mentee must demonstrate respect and trust towards their mentor, recognizing their experience and guidance. • The mentee should be proactive in their learning, asking questions, seeking feedback, and actively participating in the mentorship process. • The mentee should demonstrate initiative by taking ownership of their tasks and seeking out opportunities to learn and grow. • The mentee should be resourceful in finding solutions to problems and utilizing available resources effectively. • The mentee should develop a clear plan for achieving their goals, whether it’s mastering specific inspection skills or understanding the organization’s processes. • The mentee should be attentive to their mentor’s voice and respond appropriately, demonstrating a willingness to learn and adapt. 31 • The mentee should actively seek feedback from their mentor and be open to constructive criticism. Role of the PDUNASS The PDUNASS plays a crucial role in supporting mentoring programs by providing resources and expertise, ensuring its effectiveness. • PDUNASS may facilitate guidance and support to mentor. • PDUNASS may supervise overall mentorship program. BENEFITS OF THE PROGRAM The following lists the benefits of a mentor program for the probationer PAs and mentors. Probationer PA • Enhances professional career development by identifying skill gaps and developing plan for growth. • Receives insights and guidance for assisting in development of specific skills for career advancements. • Receives individual recognition and encouragement. • Receives honest criticism and informal feedback. • Opportunity to receive guidance. • Stay informed on the developments of the business environment in the country and changing social security needs. • Opportunities to participate in a strong networking experience. • Learns how to reach appropriate channels and to resolve potential grievances. • Opportunities to learn new skills. • Increased self-confidence and improved communication skills. • Increased self-awareness and emotional intelligence. • Opportunities to gain valuable insights and advice from a mentor’s real-world experience. • Helps in avoiding mistakes. • Access to an informed second opinion • Insight into own performance through a ‘critical friend’ • Identifies personal development needs, and 32 • Gain a deeper understanding of the organization’s culture. Mentor • Provide opportunities to develop their ability to share information clearly, guide others, and build rapport. • Provides platform to hone their leadership skills such as communication, empathy and decision-making. • Provide opportunity to expand their professional network by connecting with mentees and their networks. • Guiding and supporting mentees can be a rewarding experience, fostering a sense of purpose and accomplishment. • It can a foster a sense of community and support, leading to improved office culture. • It can make job more interesting and challenging, leading to higher job satisfaction. • Provides opportunity to gain a new and reinvigorating outlook on one's own job. • Provides ideas and skills that can be applied to other parts of a mentor's life. • Provides an outlet for new ideas and feedback about mentor's current projects. • Satisfaction of helping someone achieve higher skills and competencies. PDUNASS • Higher employee retention rates, as employees feel supported and valued in their careers. • Increased employees’ engagement, leads to increased productivity. • Helps in identification and development of high potential leaders. • Helps in identifying skill/knowledge gaps and accordingly re-structuring training courses as per the needs in the field. • Helps in transferring institutional knowledge from experienced employees to younger colleagues, ensuring valuable insights are not lost. • Helps in increasing innovation and creativity in organization. • Helps in increasing diversity and inclusion by pairing employees from different backgrounds and experiences. • Mentoring programs leads to stronger sense of belonging and connection within the organization, leading to more integrated work environment. 33 PDUNASS MENTORSHIP PROGRAM Role of Mentors and Mentees The program aims to make the probationer PAs more efficient in handling their works in office environment and help EPFO meet its mission and vision thereby adding value to the governance resolve of deepening social security in the country. The program is led by the APFC (Admin) of the field office/ RPFC-II (Admin) of training Institutes or Concerned Division of the Head Office /RPFC-I (Admin) of the Zonal Office where the probationer is posted on a regular basis. The Mentor interacts with the probationer right from day one to the end of the induction training program. The questions raised by the probationers during this phase are either answered by the APFC (Admin) of the field office/ RPFC-II (Admin) of training Institutes or concerned civision of the Head Office /RPFC-I (Admin) of the Zonal Office or is done through appropriate officers/officials under her/his disposal. The relationship matrix is such that both the mentor and mentee become comfortable with each other without compromising the discipline of the cadre. The mentor and the mentee also share notes with each other and at the end of the program each of them presents an assessment report to PDUNASS which uses the inputs to further strengthen the future mentorship program. Role of the RPFC-I/OICs On monthly basis, concerned OICs of the field Office/Zonal Office/ RPFC-I of concerned division of the Head Office shall take stock of the mentorship program progress form each mentor and shall provide overall oversight and guidance. The RPFC-I/OICs thus shall be responsible for the outcome of this exercise towards meeting the vision and mission of EPFO. MENTORING PROGRAM GUIDELINES FOR PROBATIONER PAS General • The mentoring arrangement will last for probation period. 34 • Meetings should take place at least once a month; however, this may vary based upon the needs of both parties involved. • Mentoring contributes to the professional development of the probationer PAs and is endorsed by the PDUNASS. • Meetings between mentors and probationer PAs are considered work time, and should be included in individual work plan. • Information exchanged within the relationship is considered confidential. Obligations The commitment of mentor and mentee is as follows: • Commit to the mentoring program for the entire probation period. • Commit to at least two contacts per month. • Commit to meeting once a week for the first month. • Respond to any evaluation of the program. For probationer PAs • Introduce yourself by email to mentor. Feel free to elaborate your strengths and weaknesses and aspirations. • Think ahead about what you might like to gain from this relationship. • Value and take advantage of this opportunity. • The probationer PAs must also keep track of the activities completed during mentorship. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Guidelines for Mentees • Meet with the Mentor with prior appointment. • Attend training lectures and other training activities, religiously. • Positive attitude and strong work ethic. • Participate actively in the mentor-probationer PA relationship. • Contact the mentor and take the lead in the communications. • Follow through on suggested advice given by mentors. • Participate in program evaluations. 35 Guidelines for Mentors General • Recognize that a request from a mentee for a mentor may come at any time. • Meetings should take place at least once a month; however, this may vary based upon the needs of both parties involved. • Mentoring contributes to the professional development of the probationer PAs. • Information exchanged within the relationship is considered confidential. Obligations The commitment for the mentor is as follows: • Commit to mentoring for probation period. • Commit to one contact per month. • Commit to meeting once a week for the first month. • Respond to an evaluation of the program. ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MENTOR The following are the roles and responsibility for the mentor: a. Be open and honest with your assessment. b. Regular contact is important. Meet face-to-face on a periodic basis. c. Be collaborative – work on sharing information. d. Learn from each other. e. Respect each other. f. Be goal oriented and problem solving focused. g. Focus on developing the probationer PAs as they will change and evolve over time. h. Be open to assistance from other colleagues outside the mentor-PA probationers’ relationship. i. Be professional oriented by continually improving the practice of teaching and learning. 36 7. PDUNASS PROBATIONER PAs ACTIVTY CHECKLIST Probationer PA: Mentor: Activity Data Completed Mentor Initials Probationer PA 1. Contact made in person or over the telephone with a minimum of one per month 1st Month Week One o In person o Telephone Week Two o In person o Telephone Week Three o In person o Telephone Week Four o In person o Telephone 2nd Month o In person o Telephone 3rd Month o In person o Telephone 4th Month o In person o Telephone 5th Month o In person o Telephone 6th Month o In person o Telephone 7th Month o In person o Telephone 8th Month o In person o Telephone 9th Month o In person o Telephone 10th Month o In person o Telephone 11th Month o In person o Telephone 12th Month o In person o Telephone 2. Set professional goals and develop action plan 3. Encourage professional development activities that included the following: (please list them) 4. Encourage certification (iGoT, Language, etc.) and provided the necessary information 37 8. MENTOR/ PA PROBATIONER EVALUATION FORM PDUNASS wants to continue to improve the mentorship program. We request you to complete and return the following evaluation form post completion of the probation. Once completed, please email it to the local course coordinator (at PDUNASS campus where induction training will be conducted) and local course coordinator to compile it and send it to the course director (at PDUNASS). Mentorship Program Evaluation Form Name of the Respondent: Designation (Please Tick ): (a) Mentor (b) Probationer Personal Assistant Name of the Office: Duration of Mentorship Program: Program Objectives: Please check  the appropriate answer for each question: 1. In your experience, has the mentorship program contributed positively to your professional and career development?  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree 2. The Program provided meaningful guidance on career planning and role clarity for the Probationer PA.  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree 3. The program enhanced coaching, mentoring, and leadership skills (for Mentors).  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree 4. The program facilitated better understanding of EPFO’s organisational processes, work culture, and expectations.  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree 5. The program provided adequate opportunities to broaden professional knowledge and institutional exposure.  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree 6. Overall, would you recommend the mentorship program to future Probationer PAs/Mentors?  Yes  No 7. The structure, duration, and design of the mentorship program were appropriate  Strongly Agree  Agree  Neutral  Disagree  Strongly Disagree Goals and Expectations 38 8. What expectations did you have of the mentorship program at the outset? (Please elaborate) 9. To what extent were these expectations met?  Fully Met  Partially Met  Not Met 10. Please highlight any specific outcomes or learning experience that you found particularly useful. Commitment & Engagement 11. Were you able to devote adequate time as per the prescribed activity checklist?  Yes  No 12. Was the level of time commitment reasonable and manageable alongside regular official duties?  Yes  No 13. If not, please specify the constraints faced (if any). 14. Did this commitment suit your needs?  Yes  No 15. Did you face any challenges or concerns during the mentorship program?  Yes  No 16. If yes, please specify: 39 17. What improvements would you suggest to enhance the effectiveness of the Mentorship Program at PDUNASS? 18. Any Specific recommendations regarding: • Program structure • Duration • Mentor-mentee matching • Monitoring and feedback mechanisms 40 9. SESSION PLANS INDUCTION COURSE: PERSONAL ASSISTANT at PDUNASS FARIDABAD CAMPUS WEEK-1 DAY SESSION TIME TOPICS 1st Monday 29th June 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:00 – 9:30 Registration 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 11:15 Welcome Address Inauguration Introduction & expectation setting 11:15 – 11:30 Group Photograph 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Evolution, Vision, Mission and Organisational Structure of EPFO 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Role and Responsibilities of PA in EPFO 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Dairy, Calendar, Travel, Protocol and Logistics Management with emphasis on scheduling meetings & Appointments 16:45 – 17:00 Open Discussions, Questions and Answers 17:00 – 17:30 Collection of OJT Diary by Course Coordinator and Feedback of the OJT 1st Tuesday 30th June 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Team Building & Goal Setting 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Team Building & Goal Setting 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Decision Making 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Decision Making with emphasis on Prioritisation & Multitasking, and managing difficult situations Professionally 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 16:45 – 17:30 Collection of evaluation Form of Mentor-mentee by Course Coordinator and Feedback of the Mentorship Program 1st Wednesday 1st July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Social Security in Indian Knowledge Tradition and Evolution of Social Security in India; Background of Labour Law Reforms 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Concept of Social Security & Social Protection 41 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Overview of Code on Social Security, 2020 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Overview of Code on Social Security, 2020 16:45 – 17:30 Collection of evaluation Form of iGOT completion by Course Coordinator and Feedback of the Mentorship Program 1st Thursday 2nd July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 EPFO related provisions under the CoSS, 2020 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 EPFO related provisions under the CoSS, 2020 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 EPF Scheme, 1952 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 EPF Scheme, 1952 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 1st Friday 3rd July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 EPS, 1995 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 EPS, 1995 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 EDLI, 1976 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Concept of UAN & EPF Accounts; SoP & Correction in member’s profile 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 1st Saturday 4th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 10:00 – 11:30 Computer Lab: Preparing a power point presentation on given subject including adding animation 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Computer Lab: Preparing a power point presentation on given subject including adding animation 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 2nd Half Sports activities 42 WEEK-2 DAY SESSION TIME TOPICS 2nd Monday 6th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 SoP of claim Settlement 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Process of settlement of PF, Pension & EDLI claims of members/claimants including transfer claims 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious Initiative 14:00 – 15:15 Grievance handling mechanism in EPFO, EPFiGMS, CPGRAM and DPG 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Functions of PRO and various help desks, best practices in grievance disposal 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 2nd Tuesday 7th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Behavioural and Communication Skills 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Behavioural and Communication Skills 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Basic Knowledge of Office Equipment like Printer, Scanner, Projector, virtual meetings, etc. 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Digital Record Keeping and Archiving 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 2nd Wednesday 8th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 e-Office 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 MIS portal & Umang App 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Employer Login Portal, Employee Login Portal, Account Section Login Portal (CITES) 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Account/Pension Section Login Portal (CITES) 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 2nd Thursday 9th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Definition, Purpose, and Importance of Noting & Drafting in Government Offices; Principles of Effective Noting & Drafting; Differences between Noting, Drafting, and Official Correspondence. 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Noting and drafting in case-based scenarios 43 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Types of Official Communications: Letters, Circulars, Notifications, Office Memoranda, DO etc. Drafting DO letters 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Legal aspects of Government Noting & Drafting (RTI, Record- Keeping & Confidentiality) & Official Communication Etiquette 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 2nd Friday 10th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 RTI Act, 2005 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 RTI Act, 2005 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious initiative 14:00 – 15:15 Drafting responses to RTI on behalf of CPIO and Appellate Authority and drafting replies to Parliament Questions 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Drafting Speaking Orders 16:45 – 17:30 Book Review Session 2nd Saturday 11th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 10:00 – 11:30 Computer Lab: Preparing a letter/order in MS Word File through mail merge function 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Computer Lab: Rewriting of Paragraph in MS Word format using Track change, Comment remove, table creation, spelling check and other functions 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 2nd Half Sports activities 44 WEEK-3 DAY SESSION TIME TOPICS 3rd Monday 13th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Ethics and values and Good Governance- General concepts with examples 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Ethics and values and Good Governance- General concepts with examples 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious initiative 14:00 – 15:15 Overview of Official Languages Act, 1953 and Official Language Rules, 1976 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Use of Official Language (Hindi & English) in Governance Correspondence 16:45 – 17:30 Formative Assessment CoSS, 2020 3rd Tuesday 14th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Interpersonal Communication and Coordination 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Telephone Etiquette and Front Office Management 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Report making, E-mail Handling 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Report making, E-mail Handling 17:00 – 17:30 Reading Comprehension Exercise in English Language 3rd Wednesday 15th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Compliance e-proceedings portal, CAIU Portal 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 LIMBS Portal 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious initiative 14:00 – 15:15 File Handling, Event and Conference Coordination, and Office Coordination 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 VIP Reference Handling & Protocol 17:00 – 17:30 Letter Writing Exercise 3rd Thursday 16th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Data Protection Bill 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Data Protection Bill 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 EPF (Officers & Employees’ Condition of Service) Regulations, 2008 45 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, 1964 17:00 – 17:30 Precis Writing Exercise 3rd Friday 17th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 FR & SR 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 FR & SR; Central Services (Medical Attendance) Rules, 1944 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 GFR, 2017 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 GeM 17:00 – 17:30 Narrative Writing Exercise 3rd Saturday 18th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 10:00 – 11:30 Computer Lab: Preparing a MS Excel spreadsheet, formatting cells, enter formula for calculation in cells, inserting built in functions in cells and answering arithmetic problems 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Computer Lab: Preparing pie chart/bar graphs /diagrams in MS –Excel based on the data provided & VLOOKUP. 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Computer Lab: Use of “Pivot” in MS Excel to generate data analysis report from the given spreadsheet. 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Computer Lab: Use of MS Access in Creation and manipulation of Data bases. 46 WEEK-4 DAY SESSION TIME TOPICS 4th Monday 20th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Digital India Initiative 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 National Cyber Security Policy 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious Initiative 14:00 – 15:15 National E Governance Plan & Aadhaar Data Security Framework 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 IT-Enabled Public Services (Digi locker, Umang, E-shram, e- KYC & Aadhaar Authentication, Smart Cities Mission, Cyber Hygiene, CERT-In Guidelines, etc) 17:00 – 17:30 Formative Assessment Noting & Drafting 4th Tuesday 21st July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 POSH & Gender Sensitization 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 POSH & Gender Sensitization 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK + Delicious initiative 14:00 – 15:15 Sensitization to the cause of SC/ST/OBC employees 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Sensitization to the cause of SC/ST/OBC employees 16:45 – 17:30 Essay Writing Exercise 4th Wednesday 22nd July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 EPF Staff (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1971 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Central Civil Service (Pension) Rules, 1964 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Central Civil Service (Leave) Rules, 1964 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Leave Travel Concession Rules & Traveling Allowance Rules 17:00 – 17:30 Formative Assessment: Administrative & Service Rules 4th Thursday 23rd July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 English Grammar: Active/Passive Voice, idioms, phrases, etc 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Figure of Speech: Metaphor, Simile, Personification, Oxymoron, etc. 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Sentence Structure: Subject-verb agreement, Sentence types (simple, compound, complex) 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 47 15:30 – 16:45 Adjectives and Adverbs: Degree, Comparison and usage 16:45 – 17:30 Preparation of Booklet for Book Review and Delicious Initiative 4th Friday 24th July 2026 7:00 – 8:00 Yoga 9:30 – 10:00 Motivational Video 10:00 – 10:15 Recap 10:15 – 11:30 Professionalism and Workplace Conduct 11:30 – 11:45 TEA BREAK 11:45 – 13:00 Managing High-Pressure Office Situations 13:00 – 14:00 LUNCH BREAK 14:00 – 15:15 Interaction with Experienced PA/PS 15:15 – 15:30 TEA BREAK 15:30 – 16:45 Experience Sharing and Learning Reflection 16:45 – 17:00 BREAK 17:00 – 18:00 Valediction Ceremony (Seeking Feedbacks, Release of Booklet, Prize for sport events & Distribution of Certificate) 48 10. 14 WEEKS ON-JOB TRAINING (OJT) FOR PA CADRE Sr. No. Section Details No. of Weeks 1 Attachment to PA Cell of OIC Understanding the various roles of a good PA and learning to operate various devices and software’s. How to maintain appointment diary and monitor various pending works of the office. Learning Telephone etiquettes, VIP protocol, report making, E-mail handling, and effectively communicating with visitors & subscribers. Additionally, every day during the course of On-Job training, the probationer shall sit and provide his assistance in the PA Cell of the OIC for 2-3 hours to understand the role of a good PA. 1 Week 2 Administration Section General Administration, Office Procedure, HR Soft, APAR, GeM Portal, Pay Bill, LTC, TA/DA, EPF Staff (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1971, Service Book, Attendance, FR & SR, GFR, Role of Pre-Audit, Budget, Rosters, GFR, HRM HRD, Familiarisation with different roles assigned to officials, Vigilance Matters including VCC, RFRMC/ZFRMC and Disciplinary Proceedings. 2 Week 3 Grievance Section and Public Relations EPFiGMS, CPGRAM, Nidhi Aapke Nikat 2.0, RTI, how to handle grievances received physically or through emails, PRO, Inward, Dispatch, Functions of PRO and Help Desks, Various social Media handles of the Office. Every Wednesday during the course of On-Job training, the probationer shall sit in the PRO section of the office from 10:00 AM to 13:00 PM with special focus on elderly, women and family of deceased. 2 Week 4 Co-ordination/ MIS/ International worker Understanding various reports sent to ZO/HO and their timelines. How various MIS reports are generated/prepared and important parameters that are required to be monitored. How to monitor office email account. E-Office, Noting & Drafting, International Worker returns, Certificate of Coverage and the portals. 1 Week 5. Audit Con-current Audit, Monitoring of Internal Audit Para and CAG para, how to prepare replies to audit para and process of dropping of audit para, importance of concurrent audit, a brief idea of various types of fraud related to EPFO. 1 Week 6. Account Section Workflow and Procedure for processing of various claims like Form 20, 19, 13, 10C, 10D, 31, 5IF, etc, reissue claims, UAN & EPF Accounts, Employee & Employer portal Login, UMANG App, Correction of member basic details, Annual accounts including back 1 Week 49 period accounting, inoperative accounts, various software/portal made available to Dealing Assistant in account section. 7. Pension Section Processing of pension claim including both transfer out and transfer claim; flow of pension claim from accounts to pension section; reconciliation of banks as well as updation of DLC/JPP especially using FAT and detailed process; BRS and disbursal of Pension; PRAYAAS, Higher pension cases; Reduced Pension & deferred pension; understanding process of calculation of monthly pension amount and various types of pensionary benefits 1 Week 8 Cash Balance Sheet, Scroll preparation, co-ordination with banks, receipts & payments, maintenance of cash books, Various other functions of the cash section 1 Week 9 Compliance, Damages Compliance & damages: SSP and various other portals, powers and duties of inspectors, Intelligence Cell, CAIU coverage including survey coverage and forced coverage, Penal provisions u/s 14, recording of proceedings on compliance e-proceedings portal, detailed briefing about updation of compliance e- proceedings portal and how to update and upload orders, how to generate damages summons, how to efficiently maintain records of the quasi-judicial proceedings, maintenance of blue book and red book and various records of attachments of movable/immovable property 2 Week 10 Exemption, Recovery Current and Arrear recovery under section 8B to 8G, Recovery certificates generation and recovery procedures, maintenance of blue book and red book, monitoring mechanism of the IBC/Official Liquidator cases, monitoring of pending cases for grant of exemption and cancellation of exemption, Monitoring of EDLI exemption cases, understanding compliance audit and exemption e-returns, 1 Week 11 Legal Updation and Monitoring of the LIMBS Portal, Handling of various legal cases including process of timely collecting parawise replies-forwarding to advocate and filing of approved replies/petitions. LIMBS portal and its updation, Monthly meeting of Legal committees at RO/ZO level and regular review of performance of advocates. 1 Week Trainees will be attached to the Dealing Assistant, Section Supervisor and EO/AO of the concerned section to understand each process practically, in detail. 50 11. EXPECTATIONS FROM OFFICER TRAINEES “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle.” —Steve Jobs Punctuality: We believe that punctuality forms the basic fulcrum around which discipline revolves. We expect that you will reach the venue of any scheduled event, academic or otherwise, ten minutes ahead of time and will be seated in your place-position at least five minutes before the event. This is our first expectation from you and we hope that you will not give us any occasion to remind you of it during the course. Behaviour: We expect the highest standards of behaviour and decorum, befitting an officer - both inside and outside the Academy. We expect you to be courteous and well-mannered towards each other, with staff and with the faculty. Officer Trainees must ensure that their behaviour towards Officer Trainees of the opposite sex is beyond reproach. Participation: This is your course. What you get out of it will depend a good deal on what you put into it. We would like you to participate fully in all the activities that make-up the Course. Do let us know where the bottlenecks are or where you see a possibility for further improvement. When you participate in classroom discussions, we expect you to be polite and considerate to all others present. Discipline: Discipline is non-negotiable. As an officer, a strict code of conduct and norms of behaviour bind each of us. We expect you to follow the code of conduct and these norms of behaviour in letter and spirit and set the highest standards for yourselves. Attire: We expect you to be appropriately attired for every occasion. The dress for classrooms is expected to be simple, sober and dignified. Officer Trainees will not attend classes in T- shirts, jeans and sneakers. Gentleman officer trainees are not to wear slippers or sandals. Lady Officer Trainees are expected to attend classes in sarees, salwar kameez or churidarkurta or western business suits. This dress code will also apply to other premises like the main Institute building, mess, lounge, library etc. 51 Maturity, Creativity and Endeavour: Above all we expect Officer Trainees to behave like mature individuals. A mature person does not indulge in deviant or self-destructive behaviour. He does not burn up in anxiety. He neither resents authority nor does he become overbearing when he is himself in a position of power. In short, mature persons are balanced people who are an asset to any organization. Creativity is that spark which improves all human endeavour, and makes that critical difference between the great and merely good. We hope that you will contribute creatively to all activities and raise the standard of the course. Above all, an officer is expected to excel and constantly strive towards setting higher benchmarks. We expect from you these qualities of head and heart. Behaviour during Guest Lectures: Never leave the class till the guest speaker leaves. Courtesy demands that you rise from your chairs at the end of the session and wait till the guest speaker leaves the room. While we encourage you to ask questions to the Guest speakers, please learn to be careful in framing your questions and be polite and dignified in your interaction. Please remember that they are the guests of the Academy and have to be given due respect and regard. They also have the highest expectations from you. Duties Related to Academic Sessions: All Officer Trainees must be fully attentive during the Academic sessions and participate in the ongoing discussions. Carrying a Mobile in the Classroom by an Officer Trainee should be avoided. The mobile if carried should be kept in silent mode. Attending and participating in Academic sessions is a duty assigned to Officer Trainees and a failure will be considered in their performance appraisal. Feedback: It is our endeavour to provide you with the best possible academic inputs. The Academy has devised a comprehensive method of getting your feedback on various aspects of the Academic and other activities organized for you. Your Feedback is an important consideration in the evaluation of training imparted and is taken into account for design and improvements in the Course. You are the most important stakeholder in your Training; hence what you feel about it is important. It should also be remembered that it is part of the assigned duties, which must be fulfilled with all sincerity and attention. Please note that giving feedback regularly is an index of your commitment to the course and sense of responsibility. 52 The Feedback given by you is shared with the faculty concerned, to help them in identifying the constraints if any and remove them. However, confidentiality is maintained regarding your Feedback, so while the Feedback given by you is communicated, the names of persons are not told. It may be remembered that your feedback must be objective and contextual. Feedback from the Faculty will also be obtained to assess the quality of involvement of the Officer Trainees. Counselling: The Academy places a great deal of importance upon Course Counselling as a mode of interaction between the faculty and the respective counsellors. The Course Director is a friend, guide and a person who is genuinely concerned about the individual needs of the officer trainees. Formal Course Director group meetings will be scheduled. However, informal meetings with the Course Director are also welcome and encouraged. The trainees are expected to be in close association with their Course Director and establish an effective rapport. This will enable the Course Director to give individual attention to each of her / his counselees, besides crystallizing the learning points for the officer trainee. Initiative and Camaraderie: A very important aspect of Induction Course is to develop and encourage the habit of taking initiatives. For Officers, this is of utmost Importance, for it is the senior bureaucracy which is the fulcrum of improvement and reforms in the domain of public management. The ability to take initiative and pursue the goal with perseverance is one of the core strengths of a good officer, and must be developed right from the entry into service. One must also be wise in taking initiatives, and must exercise due discretion while jumping into new projects. Another important aspect of Induction Course is to develop camaraderie with your colleagues. One must be able to work in teams and enjoy being part of the group with a common objective. There are very few targets that one can achieve within the public sector all alone, or without the cooperation of different stakeholders. Thus, the ability to develop empathy with other team members, identify with them and develop common goals is a core capability of an officer. While working in teams one should be able to work around interpersonal dynamics. 53 Assessment: The Orientation Course aims at providing professional knowledge, developing job-oriented skills, inculcating esprit de corps and building appropriate attitudes and values. We try to achieve these objectives through a harmonious blend of academic and extracurricular inputs. We expect the course will help the Officer Trainee not only to acquire more knowledge and professional skills, but also to imbibe officer- like qualities and understand the administrative environment. 54 12. CONDUCT, RULES AND REGULATIONS “Character is, doing the right thing when no one is looking.” —J.C. Watts I. GENERAL CONDUCT Officer trainees are expected to work hard to attain the technical competence and knowledge required for their jobs; participate whole-heartedly in curricular and co-curricular activities; respect rules, norms and conventions of the Academy and the Service at large; and make deliberate efforts to develop oneself into an outstanding officer and also make meaningful contributions in developing the Academy into a center of excellence through purposeful involvement in social work and other enriching activities. The Officer trainees are required to maintain the highest standards of discipline and personal conduct throughout the period of training; both within and outside the Academy. They must observe punctuality in attending physical activities, lectures, tutorials, cultural events, sports activities, outdoor visits, social functions, formal and informal gatherings. Community life constitutes an important part of training. Officer trainees must exhibit officer- like conduct in classrooms and elsewhere like hostel, mess, auditorium, library, indoor stadium, swimming pool, etc. in conformity with the Central Civil Services (Conduct) Rules, 1964. Officer-like conduct implies high standards of social behaviour, courtesy, dignity, decorum, integrity and personal hygiene. Smoking and consumption of alcohol are strictly prohibited in the campus. As a consideration towards fellow- officers, Officer trainees are expected not to play loud music or speak very loudly in their rooms, lounges and corridors. They are expected to always carry their identity cards. The Officer trainees must always wear identity cards while attending classes & official functions and events. II. CONDUCT IN CLASS Officer trainees should arrive in classrooms at least five minutes before the scheduled time and take their pre-assigned seats. They are expected to come prepared for each class by studying the reading material, if any, given in advance by the faculty members. Officer trainees are encouraged to participate actively in the discussions in the class, express their views, seek clarifications or raise pertinent questions without engaging in long drawn or protracted 55 arguments. Difference of opinions, if any, should be aired in an unoffending and subtle manner, particularly, in the cases of guest speakers. III. CONDUCT IN HOSTELS Officer trainees are expected to behave decently in the hostels at all times. Shouting, loud music, noisy parties / revelry must be avoided as it is a source of inconvenience and nuisance to others. As a consideration to other residents in the hostels, music after 2200 Hrs is to be heard only through ear-phones. Keeping or consuming alcohol in the hostels is prohibited. Inebriated conduct will result in disciplinary action. It is also important to use the allotted hostel rooms properly. Because it is mandatory to obtain NoC for infrastructure on returning back the allotted rooms. Any restoration cost to be incurred by EPFO to make the rooms habitable by the next allottee shall be recovered from the previous allottee. 56 13. DRESS CODE “A man has honour if he holds himself to an ideal of conduct though it is inconvenient, unprofitable, or dangerous to do so.” —Walter Lippmann Officer trainees are expected to dress up well in neat attires. They should not appear unkempt or slovenly. The Officer trainees are expected to observe the following dress code on formal occasions like ceremonies for course inaugurations or valedictions, national festivals like Independence Day and Republic Day, and on other occasions declared as formal by the Academy: 1. Gentlemen Officer trainees: Black/Dark coloured Buttoned-up suits/similar formal attire and foot wear comprising black shoes and dark-coloured socks. 2. Lady Officer trainees: Decent coloured Saree & footwear comprising shoes or sandals. 3. In classrooms: Officer trainees may wear shirt and trousers or safari suits along with leather Brown/Black shoes, while lady Officer trainees may wear sarees or salwar suits with shoes or sandals. Wearing of identity card is compulsory in class rooms. Casual attires including jeans, T-shirts, sneakers etc. are not permitted in classrooms, or in administrative block. Sneakers, sports shoes, can be worn only while doing physical activities. Use of bathroom slippers is restricted to hostel rooms only. 4. Physical Activity sessions: Officer trainees are required to wear prescribed Academy T-shirts/Track Suits and shorts or track-suits with shoes/sneakers and socks while doing physical activity. Lady Officer trainees are expected to wear Academy track-suits with canvas shoes/sneakers and socks. 5. Officer trainees are required to be decently attired in the Officers’ Mess. In the Indoor Sports Complex footwear like sports or canvas shoes maybe worn but slippers/chappals are not allowed. 57 14. LEAVE OF ABSENCE “Discipline is the soul of an army. It makes small numbers formidable; procures success to the weak and esteem to all.” —George Washington. All course activities, including classes and extracurricular activities deemed compulsory by the course team constitute official duty for the course participants. No officer trainee shall absent himself / herself from any of these activities. All Officer Trainees are required to reside on Campus during the entire duration of the Induction Course. No Officer Trainee shall leave the city without obtaining prior written permission from the course authorities, even on holidays or weekends. Officer Trainees are expected to extend full participation in all activities. Any absence without explicit permission would be treated as "unauthorized absence from duty" and will be dealt with as per rules. We sincerely hope that no occasion would arise, which would compel us to resort to such drastic measures. Officer trainees are ordinarily not granted leave of absence individually, except in compelling circumstances like medical or other emergencies. However, block leave is granted at appropriate intervals, when the whole batch is allowed to proceed on leave for a specified period. Requests for individual leave of absence on grounds of compelling circumstances will be considered by the Course Director on a case-to-case basis. It must be borne in mind that usually no leave of absence is granted during tours/field training programs for marriage of self/dependents or on any other grounds. Officer trainees absenting themselves from duty, without leave of absence or overstaying beyond the period for which leave has been sanctioned etc. is an act of indiscipline and may lead to disciplinary action. Repeated instances of unauthorized absence can result in extension of probation or discharge from the Service. For going out of station during holidays, the Officer trainees must obtain, well in advance written permission to leave the headquarters. Any unauthorized absence in this regard would be viewed seriously. 58 15. CHECKLIST FOR ESCORT OFFICERS OF GUEST FACULTY “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” —Maya Angelou I. TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS 1. Take the mobile number and other contact details of the Guest Faculty from the Course Team. 2. Contact the guest and find out his/her travel plan. 3. Confirm transport arrangements. Ensure that the Academy staff car is detailed by the Academy in time to receive the Guest Speaker at the Railway Station or Airport, as the case may be. Get the mobile number of drivers for ready reference. 4. Confirm accommodation arrangements from Administration. Do inspect the rooms allotted to the Guest Speakers and ensure that they are well made-up. Please check up whether the furniture and fittings are all right; the taps and lights work. 5. Get in touch with the Guest Faculty to apprise him/her about the arrangements made for his/her reception. 6. Decide the meeting point at the airport/railway station, in consultation with the Guest Faculty, and carry a Name Card with the name of the Guest Faculty as well as EPFO inscribed on it, for easy identification. 7. Receive Guest Faculty and take him/her to designated accommodation. 8. Ascertain his/her catering requirements (time for serving bed tea/coffee, whether he/she would like to have breakfast/lunch/dinner in the mess or in the room) and food preferences (vegetarian/non-vegetarian), and inform those concerned. 9. If the guest faculty is arriving at odd times (late night/early morning/public holiday, dine-out day of mess, etc.), please ensure that proper arrangements are made for his food/tea/coffee, etc. 10. Receive the Guest Speaker at the Guest House. Help him/her to settle down comfortably. Please enquire whether he/she would like to have tea/coffee, etc. You should look after him/her generally throughout his/her stay in the Academy and ensure that his/her needs (including special diet, medicines, etc. if any) are attended to. While you need not impose yourself on him/her, it is necessary that you ensure that the Guest 59 Speaker is not left high and dry, unless he chooses to. You must be available for him/her to contact at any time. Please instruct his/her room bearer about your whereabouts. Please accompany him/her to breakfast/lunch/dinner, unless he/she has different programs. 11. If the Guest Speaker has brought any hand-out, collect them and hand over to the Course Team for getting copies made. Ensure that the Guest Speaker is invited to all the functions of the various societies/clubs that may be scheduled during his stay. 12. Acquaint the Guest Speaker with the Course Design, the syllabus prescribed and other activities in the Academy, if he/she is not already familiar with the same. You may hand over a Course Manual to him/her. You may also appraise the Guest Speaker about the composition of the audience he will be addressing. 13. Collect from the Course Team the bio-data of the Guest Speaker before his/her arrival. If this is not available in the office, the data may be obtained from library sources or from the Guest Speaker politely. The biodata should be handed over to the office after use. 14. Inform the Guest Speaker about the duration and number of his lectures. You should also tell him that generally some time should be set apart for questions at the end of the lecture at the Academy. 15. Ascertain the Guest Speaker on his arrival about any special arrangements that he/she would like to be made in the lecture hall apart from normal provisions of a Projector Slide. II. LECTURE ARRANGEMENTS 1. Supply copy of the Weeks’ Time Table containing his/her lecture’s timings. 2. Supply copy of EPFO Brochure/Course manual/Booklet/Session Plan. 3. Check about uploading of PowerPoint and/or video Presentation(s), if any and arrange for their uploading through Lecture Hall/classroom technical assistant. 4. Check about circulation/distribution of his/her Presentation and Reading Material (if any) to Officer Trainee. If yes, make necessary arrangements. 5. Check whether he/she would like to visit the Lecture Hall in advance and see/check the presentation arrangements. If yes, make necessary arrangements. If no, please check yourself. 6. Arrange for carrying of the lecture material, books etc. to the classroom with the Guest Faculty. 60 7. Introduce the Guest Faculty at the beginning of his/her lecture and thank him/her at the end of the Lecture(s). You have to preside over the lecture session and ensure that the meeting is conducted in a manner which neither embarrasses the Guest Speaker nor the Academy in any way. You will introduce him to the audience briefly and use the bio- data already collected for the purpose. After the talk is over, you will announce that the Guest Speaker would welcome question from the audience (unless the Guest Speaker has any objection to this, which should be ascertained well in advance). At the end of the session, you will thank the Guest Speaker on behalf of the Officer Trainees, the Academy and yourself in the appropriate manner. This is the most important part of your duties III. PAYMENT OF HONORARIUM AND REIMBURSEMENT OF EXPENSES 1. Check about reimbursement of Air/train tickets. If yes, obtain/take copies of tickets/boarding cards, as per requirements. 2. Ascertain whether any reimbursement of taxi fare is required. 3. Supply papers and information obtained to Accounts Branch. 4. Obtain cheque(s) for Honorarium and reimbursement(s), if any, and Receipt Form from Accounts Branch 5. Deliver the cheque(s) to the Guest Faculty, obtain his/her signature on the Receipt Form and return it to the Accounts Branch. 6. Ensure that due arrangement has been made of the Academy Staff Car for his return journey to airport/railway station. Please have this checked well in time and ensure that the driver is told the departure time. You may ascertain the convenience of the Guest Speaker before fixing the time. Ascertain the vehicle number and the name of the driver from the administration. IV. MISCELLANEOUS ARRANGEMENTS 1. Obtain the CV/Bio-data of the Guest Faculty, either in advance or on arrival, in order to introduce him/her at the beginning of the lecture. 2. Ascertain whether he/she would like to have a round of the campus in spare time, if any. If yes, arrange for it. 61 3. Ascertain from the Local Course Co-coordinator whether any formal lunch or dinner is being organized for the Guest Faculty. If yes, inform him/her on arrival itself. 4. Maintain a Visitor Book. Time permitting, take him/her to the Archives and obtain his comments and signature on the Visitors’ Book. Otherwise, obtain his/her comments on the Visitors’ Book elsewhere before his/her departure. 62 16. MESS ETIQUETTE “Cleanliness and order are not matters of instinct; they are matters of education.” —Benjamin Disraeli I. GENERAL RULES: 1. EPFO Officers Mess is managed by Officer Trainees themselves through a committee elected from amongst themselves. Every Officer Trainees is a member of the mess and shares equal responsibility to make dining experience in the Officers’ Mess the best one for all whosoever dines in. 2. Entry into the Officers’ Mess is restricted to both serving and retired EPFO Officers and their family members and guests, faculty of EPFO, participants of in-service courses/seminars/workshops in EPFO, and any other special invitees. 3. Officer Trainees are required to strictly adhere to the mess timings. 4. Officer Trainees must always be in queue while taking food in the mess. They should show due courtesy towards senior officers, guests and also to their fellow Officer Trainees visiting the mess. 5. Courtesy and consideration are to be shown to all colleagues during the meals. 6. Officer Trainees must keep their used plates and glasses at the demarcated place after taking their meals. 7. Officer Trainees should maintain decency and decorum while in the dining area and observe table manners while eating and using cutlery. While in conversation, be polite and do not interrupt a person who is talking. 8. Officer Trainees appointed as escort officers must receive their guests at the entrance of the mess and remain in attendance throughout. They are expected to look after their guests and to introduce them to other Officer Trainees and faculty members who are in proximate distance. On conclusion of the meals, the escort officers are expected to see their guests off. Courtesy should be shown towards guests and dining area designated for them should not be disturbed. 9. It is mandatory for Officer Trainees to have their food in the dining hall of the Mess. Room service is provided only in exceptional circumstances like illness etc. 10. During formal breakfast/lunch/dinner with dignitaries, senior officers and faculty members, the Officer Trainees should take care of the following points: 63 A. Every Officer Trainees is a host. She/he is expected to be present 10 minutes before the guests arrive to receive them and to see that no guests is left unattended to. Officer Trainees should not leave the mess until all the guests have left. B. Officer Trainees are expected to rise and wish when the dignitaries/senior officers or faculty approach or pass through the tables where they are seated. No Officer Trainees should commence his meal before the chief guest. In case of buffet lunches and dinners, the Officer Trainees should allow all the dignitaries, senior officers and faculty members to commence their meals and thereafter they should pick-up their plates. If some counter is earmarked for the senior officers, then the Officer Trainees should avoid using that counter. C. Officer Trainees must not monopolize the dignitary/senior officers/guests or leave him/her abruptly. Officer Trainees must request to be excused when he/she leaves the dignitary/senior officers/guests. II. DRESS CODE: Dressing well is a sign of good manners and a reflection of your personality. The dress tells who you are before you speak. Whenever dining in the Officers’ Mess, every person needs to be appropriately dressed. Ceremonial Occasions: Whenever breakfast/lunch/dinner/high tea follows ceremonial occasions where the Officer Trainee are required to wear formal dress like Bandh Gala/Safari-Suit/Formal Attire/Saree, they are required to attend the breakfast/lunch/dinner/high tea in the same ceremonial dress. Formal lunches and dinners: GENTLEMEN: Formal shirt and trousers with formal shoes LADIES: Saree/Western business suit with formal footwear Working Days & Informal Lunches / Dinners: GENTLEMEN: Formal shirt and formal trousers with shoes/sandals. LADIES: Saree/ Salwar Kameez/Churidaar Kurta/Western formals with sandals/chappals/shoes. 64 Saturdays/Sundays/Holidays: GENTLEMEN: Shirt/T-shirt with collar and jeans/trousers with shoes/sandals. LADIES: Saree/Salwar Kameez/Churidaar Kurta/Western wear/Jeans & T-shirts with sandals/chappals/shoes. Special Occasions: On special occasions when breakfast/lunch/dinner is hosted during cultural events/festivals apart from the dress code prescribed for formal occasions, the Officer Trainees can dress up in decent ethnic wear. Officer Trainees are PROHIBITED from entering mess in round neck T-shirt (Male Officer Trainees), track suits, shorts, pajamas or other indecent apparel and bathroom slippers/sneakers. Miscellaneous 1. Officer Trainees should be polite while dealing with the mess workers. They should not use intemperate language or conduct themselves in a manner not befitting an officer. Any misdemeanor on the part of the mess workers should be reported to the Local Course Coordinator for necessary action. 2. The Officer Trainees are required to avoid spillage and wastage of food. In case of spillage, they are expected to get it cleared before they leave the mess. 3. The Officer Trainees should take care of the furniture and cutlery in the mess. They should not disturb the arrangement of any furniture in the mess. 4. Any Officer Trainees bringing his / her personal guest is to inform the mess manager and also make entry in the register kept for this purpose. 5. During formal lunches and dinners personal guests of Officer Trainees are not allowed unless specifically invited. 6. All the Officer Trainees are expected to follow the table manners mentioned below. During their stay experts from hospitality industry will take sessions on this. 65 17. DOs & DON’Ts “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to counsel.”— Bible I. DO: ✓ wear your name tags during working hours and in the mess on formal/informal occasions ✓ maintain punctuality in all training activities i.e. 10 minutes before all scheduled Activities ✓ occupy seats assigned to you in classrooms 5 minutes before the arrival of faculty ✓ observe etiquette and courtesy in dealings with faculty, staff and each other ✓ consult your Counsellor in matters- personal or official -where you are doubtful or need guidance. II. DO NOT:  Do not mark proxy attendance  smoke at any public/common place in the campus  entertain or house any pet animals in the hostel or in your room  park personal vehicles in the campus without permission.  Do not engage in arguments with authorities during NLU phase and INGAF phase of induction training. III. PROHIBITED:  possession/ carrying weapons/ firearms in the Academy  keeping or consuming intoxicating drugs / alcoholic drinks in the campus. LIST OF iGoT TRAININGS TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL TRAINEES (iGoT CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION WILL BE CHECKED BEFORE ISSUING FINAL TRAINING COMPLETION CERTIFICATE) 67 LIST OF iGoT COURSES Sr. No. Name of the iGoT Course Remarks 1 Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at workplace (POSH) Mandatory 2 Code of Conduct for Government Employees Mandatory 3 Introduction to Emerging Technologies Mandatory 4 Y-Break Yoga at Workplace Mandatory 5 Orientation Module on Mission LIFE Mandatory 6 Stay Safe in Cyber Space Mandatory 7 Cyber Security Basics: A course offered by Microsoft Mandatory 8 Network Security Basics: A course offered by the National Telecommunications Institute for Policy Research, Innovation & Training (NTIPRIT) Mandatory 9 Cybersecurity: A course offered by UpGrad Mandatory 10 Foundation Course on Cyber Security: A course offered by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C- DAC) Mandatory 11 Basic Course on Cyber Security Awareness: A course offered by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing(C- DAC) Mandatory 12 EPFO-Recovery Manual General 13 Child Rights with Special Focus on Juvenile Justice System Mandatory 14 AI Using Google Bard and ChatGPT for Beginners, by Invest India Mandatory 15 Introduction to Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 by Karmayogi Bharat Mandatory 16 Women Self Defence Techniques Course, by Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) Mandatory 17 Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 by National E- Governance Division (NEGD) MeitY Govt of India Mandatory 18 DigiLoker- Your document anytime, anywhere, by National E-Governance Division (NEGD) MeitY Govt of India Mandatory 19 The Art of Communication, by Indian Railway Institute of Transport Management (IRITM) Mandatory 20 Getting started with Emotional intelligence, by Ministry of Communications-Department of Telecommunications Mandatory 21 Basics of Financial Accounting, by National Institute of Communication Finance Mandatory 22 GFR 2017- General System of Financial management, by Defence Accounts Department (DAD) Mandatory 23 EPF Act and Scheme by EPFO General 24 राजभाषा - टिप्पण एवं आलेखन by NADT General 25 राजभाषा नीति by ISTM General 26 त िंदी शब्द पररचय Introduction to Hindi Words by NADT General 27 कायाालय प्रतियाएिं by ISTM General 28 Know Your Ministry by ISTM General 29 Procurement of Goods and Services by ISTM General 30 Conduct of Inquiry in Disciplinary Matters by ISTM General 31 Mission Karmayogi Guidelines by ISTM General 68 32 Vigilance Clearance by ISTM General 33 Parliamentary Procedures by ISTM General 34 Prevention of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace by ISTM General 35 Government e Marketplace by ISTM General 36 Constitutional Provisions relating to Disciplinary Proceedings by ISTM General 37 Constitutional Provisions at Workplace by ISTM General 38 Motivation by DoPT General 39 Understanding Motivation by LBSNAA General 40 Communication for citizen Centricity by DoPT General 41 Communication Skills by IIT Kanpur General 42 Moral thinking for Action: An introduction to values and ethics by IIT Kanpur General 43 Critical thinking by ISB Hyderabad General 44 Time Management by ISTM General 45 Joining Time on Transfer by ISTM General 46 Stress Management by DoPT Mandatory 47 Critical Thinking by ISB Hyderabad General 48 Dos and Don’ts of social media by IIMC General 49 Code on Social Security 2020 by VVGNLI General 50 An Overview of Labour Codes in India by VVGNLI General 51 Introduction to 3 New Criminal Laws by Karmayogi Bharat General 52 Work Ethics by Indian Railway Institute of Transport General 53 Ethics in Public Service by DoPT General 54 Conduct Rules by ISTM General 55 Responsible Social Media Use in Public Service by DoPT General 56 Avoiding Know Your Customers Frauds and Online Job Scams (By NADP) General 57 Cyber Vigilance: What Every Digital Citizen Must Know by NEGD General 58 Public Procurement of Goods by Department of Expenditure General 59 Understanding Ethical Leadership by IIM Raipur General 60 Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 by CBI General 61 Emotional Intelligence by DoPT General 62 Emotional Intelligence: Developing Strong People Skills by NEPA General 63 Understanding and Managing Stress by XLRI Jamsedhpur General 64 Gender Sensitization-I by ISTM General 65 Gender Sensitization-II by ISTM General 66 Public Administration by ISTM General 67 Design Thinking for Excellence in Public Service by Brhat General 68 Data Governance and Compliance: IT Act 2000 and DPDP Act 2023 by NEGD-MEITY General 69 DPDP Act: An Overview by Karmyogi Bharat General 70 Understanding Cybersecurity and Digital Privacy by NEGD- MEITY General 71 Cybersecurity and e- Governance Risk by NEGD-MEITY General 72 Microsoft Word for Beginners by Microsoft General 73 Microsoft Advanced by Microsoft General 74 Microsoft PowerPoint Beginner by Microsoft General 75 Microsoft Excel for Beginners by Microsoft General 76 Microsoft Excel Advanced by Microsoft General 69 77 Office Procedure by ISTM General 78 Noting and Drafting by ISTM General 79 Fundamental Rules & Supplementary Rules by ISTM General 80 FRSR- Part I – General Rules by Department of Expenditure General 81 FRSR- Part II – Travelling Allowance by Department of Expenditure General 82 FR SR- Part III – Leave Rules by Department of Expenditure General 83 FRSR-Part IV – DA and DR by Department of Expenditure General 84 FRSR Part V – HRA and other Allowances by Department of Expenditure General 85 Seniority Principles by ISTM General 86 Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) by ISTM General 87 Travelling Allowance by ISTM General 88 Joining Time on Transfer by ISTM General 89 Pay Fixation by ISTM General 90 CGHS & CS(MA) Rules by ISTM General 91 Pensionary Benefits by ISTM General 92 Reservation Policy – Reservation in Service by ISTM General 93 MACP by ISTM General 94 Technical Resignation & Lien by ISTM General 95 Inter-Personal Skill by ISTM General 96 Public Grievance Handling & CPGRAM by ISTM General 97 Leave Travel Concession (LTC) by ISTM General 98 Framing and Amendment of Recruitment Rules by ISTM General 99 Getting Along with Boss by ISTM General 100 Personal and Organizational value by DoPT General 101 Team Building by DoPT General 102 Conflict Resolution and Negotiation by DoPT General 103 Self-Leadership by The Art of Living General 104 Ethos: the first pillar by IIPA General 105 Management fundamentals in government services by ISTM General 106 Personal and professional effectiveness by DoPT General 107 Consolidated instructions on Suspension by ISTM General 108 Decision Making by ISTM General 109 Leadership by DoPT General 110 Vigilance Angle by DHTI General 111 Vigilance Clearance by DHTI General 112 Ways of Enhancing Presentation Skill by Ministry of Mines General 113 Preventive Vigilance by Ministry of Steel General 114 Goal Setting by DoPT General 115 Increasing your emotional quotient by The Art of Living General 116 National Pension System (NPS) (Prarambh) by Department of Post General 117 General Financial Rules by NADT General 118 Procurement of Works by Department of Expenditure General 119 Procurement of Services by Department of Expenditure General 120 Government e-Market Place by Department of Expenditure General 121 RTI Act 2005, Part-I by ISTM General 122 RTI Act 2005, Part-II by ISTM General 123 Landmark Judgments – RTI Act by ISTM General 124 Basics of Administrative Law by LBSNAA General 125 Constitutional Provisions at Workplace by ISTM General 126 Contract Labour Act and other Labour Laws by BSNL General 70 127 Landmark Judgment on Constitutional Provisions – Supreme Court by ISTM General 128 IBC 2016: Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process by Ministry of Communications- DoT General 129 Legal Framework for Lawful Interception by NTIPRIT General 130 Principles of Natural Justice (Hindi) by ISTM General 131 Procedural Laws (Criminal) by SVPNPA General 132 Resolution of Insolvent Companies under IBC by Ministry of Corporate Affairs General 133 Timelines Under the New Criminal Laws by BPRD General 134 New Criminal Laws: Arrest and the Rights of the Arrestee by BPRD General 135 Understanding Arrest Provisions Under the New Criminal Laws by BPRD General 136 Information in Cognizable Cases by BPRD General 137 Overview of BNSS, 2023 for Field Practitioners by BPRD General 138 Advanced Administrative Law by NICF General 139 Roles and Functions of Quasi-Judicial Authorities under Labour Laws by VVGNLI-Noida General 140 New Criminal Laws: Technology in Policing and Digital Evidence by BPRD General 141 Anti Money Laundering by NSE Academy Ltd General 142 Anger Management at Work Place by SSB General “Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.” - Mahatma Gandhi PDUNASS Faridabad Campus, Dr Shyama Prasad Mookerji Centre PDUNASS Ujjain Campus PDUNASS Kolkata Campus PDUNASS Chennai Campus