NEW DELHI :-In its core service areas, EPFO continued with its good performance in October 2014 and it was noted in this context that by the month end more than 75 lakh claims has been settled by EPFO in the current fiscal. Out of that, 97.56% has been settled within the mandated 30 days. Reflecting the speed and promptness of the organization in the recent times, more than 69% of the claims were settled within 10 days of the receipt. Also, more than 98% of the annual accounts due for compilation have been updated by EPFO by October end and 13,500 grievances were disposed during the month.
While reviewing the performance of EPFO for the month of October, 2014 today the Central P.F. Commissioner Shri K.K. Jalan, noted that October was a watershed month in many ways for EPFO. The Prime Minister of India on 16.10.2014 had launched the Universal Account Number (UAN) which will be used for facilitating portability of members’ PF account. Also, “Shram Suvidha Portal” was also launched by the Prime Minister for ushering him an objective and system driven inspection regime. The portal has been operationalized and inspection notices have been generated and inspection reports uploaded.
The new measures to be taken regarding UAN were also discussed and deliberated at a high level meeting held in the month in which all the Zonal Additional CPFCs of EPFO were present. The issue of de-duplication of KYC records leading to de-duplication of multiple UANs, mechanism for allotting UAN to fresh members, UAN facility for those who are not employed currently, better dissemination of UAN, involvement of Aadhar Registration Agencies etc. were deliberated and directions issued.
With a view to extend the benefits of the Act and Schemes to contract and construction workers, two Sub committees of the Central Board of Trustees, one on construction workers and the other on contract workers were constituted during the month. The Committees shall look into the mode and mechanism for enrolling the workers in the construction industry as well as to fill the coverage gap of workers employed on contract in public and private sectors. Earlier, directions were already issued to the Zonal Addl. Central PF Commissioners to meet the Labour Commissioners of their respective states regarding the issue of coverage of contract workers. Focus is also laid on contract workers working in the government sector, but are devoid of any PF benefits.
October also saw the facility of International Workers being able to get their terminal benefits in overseas bank accounts as EPFO has formalized an agreement with the SBI for facilitating the same.
