Pbi varsity not contributing its EPF share: Employees

Ravneet Singh

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Tribune News Service

Patiala, December 25

Employees of Punjabi University alleged that the university had failed to deposit the contribution to the employees’ provident fund (EPF), in their respective accounts, since the previous month.

The salaries for the month of November were deposited on December 6. The lack of funds in Punjabi University has led to delay in the complete payment and various deductions from salaries of the employees.

While the university deposited the salaries for the month of November on December 6, allegations were levied that the amount was not credited as per the set parameters. They also termed the move as the ‘embezzlement of funds’.

As per the directions of employees’ provident fund organisation, Government of India released in January 2016, the employers are required to pay the contributions and administrative charges within 15 days, every month. Earlier, the organisation had allowed a grace period of five days for depositing the amounts as the calculations of wages was done manually, but later withdrew the grace period.

A professor alleged that the university had delayed the payments and had plans to use the same for paying the salaries of December. “At times, the salaries in Punjabi University have been delayed for so long that that employees are forced to stage protests. Now, the university has failed to deposit the contribution to the EPF for the month of November. With December coming to an end, the university could use this amount for payment of salaries of the next month.”

The professor said the university would have to pay the pending amount with interest if any of the employees goes to court over the matter.

Professor Kesar Singh Bhangoo, another professor, said, “Not depositing the amount of deductions and contributions in time amounts to embezzlement of the funds of the employees.”

University Registrar Dr Manjit Singh Nijjar said he was not aware of the matter. He was not available for comment.