Bhubaneswar: In another big step towards transparency, Odisha government has initiated steps for application of technology in shape of ‘e-Muster Roll’ for keeping oversight on payment of wage to the labors along with EPF/ESI deposits.  A high level meeting to this effect was held under the chairmanship of chief secretary Asit Tripathy, here on Friday. The works secretary Krishan Kumar presented utility of the software in good governance.

Considering the administrative, technical and financial facets of the proposal,  chief secretary directed the departments to apply e-Muster Roll software on pilot basis. He also directed to integrate the software with e-shramik, ESI and EPF database.

It was deliberated in the meeting that this new software would serve three main purposes. It would enable the authority to have an oversight of the payment of wage to the workers engaged by different contractors. It would ensure timely payment of wage to the labor through electronic mode of payment. It would also help in disposal of change requests received under Contractor Database Management System (CDMS).

Presenting the software, works secretary said, “CDMS software is already in operation. Presently, it is being used by major infrastructure building departments like Works, Water Resources, Rural Development, Housing & Urban Development, Panchayati Raj & Drinking Water. E-Muster will have oversight on project wise labor tagging, online wage payment, labor attendance and ESI/EPF deposits.  It will also help in data tracking through Adhara number. ”

It was decided in the meeting that at the initial level some projects of worth more than worth Rs.50 crore would be taken up for piloting of e-muster roll. The feedback would be taken as input for further customization and development of the software.

Development commissioner Suresh Chandra Mohapatra, principal secretary Labour & ESI Anu Garg, principal secretary water resources Surendra Kumar, principal secretary panchayati raj & drinking water Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, principal secretary finance Ashok Kumar Meena participated in the deliberations.