EPFO directs field staff to process applications promptly

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, March 29

Following the Union Labour Ministry’s notification of amendment to Employee Provident Fund Scheme, the Employee Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has directed its field offices to promptly process any applications received from EPF members to help them fight the present situation arising from outbreak on COVID-19 and the concomitant 21-day national lockdown.

The Ministry’s notification amending the EPF Scheme 1952 allows withdrawal of non-refundable advance by EPF members, in the wake of COVID-19 -19 pandemic in the country.

The notification permits withdrawal not exceeding the basic wages and dearness allowance for three months or up to 75 per cent of the amount standing to member’s credit in the EPF account in the event of an outbreak of epidemic or pandemic.

The measure was also a part of the economic relief package announced by the Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on last Friday to provide security cover for those affected the most by the COVID-19 lockdown.

COVID-19 has been declared pandemic by the authorities. Hence, employees working in establishments and factories, who are members of the EPF Scheme, are eligible for the benefits of non-refundable advance.

The amended scheme Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) scheme, 2020 has come into effect from March 28.