In a significant stride towards strengthening India’s social security landscape, the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya National Academy of Social Security (PDUNASS) has successfully concluded a comprehensive three-week Orientation Training Programme for newly promoted Assistant Provident Fund Commissioners (APFCs). Held in New Delhi, this training reflects the Academy’s dedication to developing a cadre of empathetic, citizen-centric, and forward-thinking officers in the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
A Programme Designed for the Future
The valedictory session, held on 28th September 2025, was presided over by Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC), who lauded the efforts of PDUNASS in fostering a culture of ethical leadership and innovation. He emphasized that in an organization like EPFO, which serves over 30 crore subscribers, it is essential that officers demonstrate integrity, accountability, and compassion in every aspect of service delivery.
In his address, Shri Krishnamurthi praised Shri Kumar Rohit, Additional Central P.F. Commissioner (Hq) and Director of PDUNASS, for curating a balanced and enriching training experience that went far beyond traditional classroom learning.
Innovative Pedagogy and Human-Centered Approach
What set this training apart was its innovative and holistic structure. With 50% of the curriculum dedicated to behavioural and leadership development, the programme featured modules on Ethics, Customer-Centric Approach, Compassion in Governance, Landmark Judgments, and Design Thinking.
A standout highlight was the pioneering course on “Compassion in Governance”, conceptualized by Shri Sanjay Rai, RPFC-I. This marks the first initiative of its kind in India and showcases EPFO’s commitment to embedding emotional intelligence in public administration.
Interactive methodologies such as case-based learning, audio-visual modules, and a four-day outbound training programme added dynamic dimensions to the learning process, fostering both knowledge and team spirit among trainees.
Recognizing Excellence and Innovation
To encourage high performance and engagement, PDUNASS introduced awards across multiple categories. These included:
- Best Classroom Performance
- Outstanding Contribution to the “Delicious Initiative” (a creative culinary project)
- Excellence in Reading and Outbound Training
- Achievements on the iGOT Learning Platform
- Participation in extracurricular activities like yoga, chess, badminton, table tennis, and cycling
These recognitions celebrated both academic achievements and holistic personal development.
A Platform for Thought Leadership
Another significant moment during the session was the release of booklets authored by the trainees, covering book reviews, culinary innovations, and personal reflections on their learning journey. These works are a testament to the creative and intellectual potential of the new APFCs.
Bridging Vision and Execution
The programme also featured inputs from premier institutions such as the National Institute of Design (Ahmedabad), National Law University (Delhi), India Centre for Governance, and the V.V. Giri National Labour Institute. These collaborations ensured that the training was both academically rigorous and practically relevant.
Charting a Compassionate Path Forward
As the newly promoted APFCs return to their postings, they do so not just with enhanced knowledge, but with a renewed sense of purpose and public service. With a strong foundation built on empathy, innovation, and ethical conduct, they are now better equipped to uphold the mission of EPFO—to provide financial security and dignity to India’s workforce.
This Orientation Training Programme was more than a professional milestone—it was a transformative experience, shaping the next generation of leaders in social security administration.