Having cleared 70 per cent of the claims filed within 15 days of filing during July, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is planning to sustain the momentum by going in for a massive computerisation programme.
Currently, EPFO receives 1.20 crore claims per year, of which 90 per cent are cleared within 30 days of filing, while 25 offices do it in three days and three offices on the same day. The immediate task is to increase the compliance level from 90 per cent to 97 per cent. During July 2013, 40 per cent of claims were cleared in three days.
Several user-friendly measures are being initiated to make EPFO an employee-centric organisation. Online transfer of funds, reduction of grievances, providing updated account statements to users and online registration of PF code are on the anvil.
Talking to The Hindu , Central Provident Fund Commissioner K.K. Jalan said: “We have brought down total grievances from 25,000 to 20,000. By August 31, this would be brought down to 10,000. Besides, we are settling 5,000 additional grievances every month. From August 15, all account statements will be available online. They will be updated with interest. Transfer of funds through online mode will happen from September 15.”
Addressing an interactive session on Employees Provident Fund organised by Assocham, National Employers’ Federation and Builders Association of India, Mr. Jalan said the new initiatives were planned to change the face of the organisation from being employer-centric to employee-centric.
Regarding online registration of EPF number, he said the facility would be available within next couple of weeks. It was planned on the lines of import/export code and everyone would be given PF code.
According to Mr. Jalan, about 40,000 cases were currently involved in litigation with about Rs. 3,450 crore locked up in these cases on non-recovery issues. Some proposal would be worked out to solve the matter soon.
Mr. Jalan also said he has proposed an amendment to the EPF Act for having multiple tribunals as few members had complained about having only one EPF tribunal.
