Pre-2014 retirees may move court against validity of EPFO circulars
1 year, 6 months ago

Pre-2014 retirees may move court against validity of EPFO circulars

The Hindu  

Despite suffering a setback in the Supreme Court last month, a section of pre-2014 retirees covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is exploring the possibility of challenging legally the validity of EPFO’s circulars issued in December 2022 and January 2023. Indicating this, Dada Tukaram Zode, national legal adviser, Employees Pension Co-ordination Committee, points out that what the Supreme Court did was to dismiss a host of clarification applications, contempt petition and review petitions, all pertaining to the November 2022 judgment. As for the circulars, the December 2022 communication was meant for those who retired before September 1, 2014 and after exercising the option for higher pension while the January 2023 circular lists the procedures and required documents for existing employees and for those who retired after September 1, 2014 to claim higher pension. Mr. Zode contends that by imposing “unrealistic” stipulations, the circulars have virtually rendered those who retired before September 1, 2014 ineligible to get higher PF pension on the ground that they did not exercise the option for higher pension.

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History of this topic

About 22,000 EPFO members got higher pension, 1.65 lakh asked to contribute additional amount
1 month, 3 weeks ago

About 22,000 EPFO members got higher pension, 1.65 lakh asked to contribute additional amount

Live Mint  

New Delhi, Feb 3 Retirement fund body EPFO has issued 21,885 pension payment orders and asked 1.65 lakh eligible members to deposit additional amount for higher pension, Parliament was informed on Monday. A total of 17,48,768 applications were submitted by members/pensioners for getting higher pension on making higher contribution under Employees' Pension Scheme 1995 run by Employees' Provident Fund Organisation, …

EPF Pension | Kerala HC Restrains EPFO From Reducing Higher Pension Of Petitioners Who Contributed Based On Their Actual Salary
2 months ago

EPF Pension | Kerala HC Restrains EPFO From Reducing Higher Pension Of Petitioners Who Contributed Based On Their Actual Salary

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court by an interim order directed the Employees Provident Fund Organisation to not reduce the higher pension drawn by certain persons who retired from Travancore Titanium. The Employee Provident Fund Organisation had sent a letter to these employees saying that their pension has been revised as per the pro-rata method of calculation introduced through the 2014 amendment, …

EPFO Extends Deadline For Employers To Process Pending Higher Pension Applications; Check Details Here
3 months, 1 week ago

EPFO Extends Deadline For Employers To Process Pending Higher Pension Applications; Check Details Here

ABP News  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has extended the deadline for employers until January 31, 2025, to process and upload approximately 3.1 lakh pending applications for the validation of options or joint options under the pension scheme for higher wages. “In spite of so many extensions, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh applications for validation of options or …

Higher PF pension | Employers get five more months to process applications
1 year, 2 months ago

Higher PF pension | Employers get five more months to process applications

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation on Wednesday extended the time for employers for uploading and submitting the joint options of employees to claim higher pension with their wage details online till May 31. The EPFO had started an online facility for submitting applications for validation of option and joint options for pension on higher wages on February 26, 2023 till …

The woes of pensioners and PF members
1 year, 2 months ago

The woes of pensioners and PF members

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation ’s recent clarification on the implementation of the 2022 Supreme Court verdict on higher Provident Fund pension seems to have added to the woes of pensioners and PF members. Issues in pension computation In the most contentious matter of pension computation, the clarification, which states that pension will be calculated as per paragraph 12 of …

EPFO FAQs: One year after Supreme Court verdict, EPFO releases FAQs for implementing higher pension
1 year, 3 months ago

EPFO FAQs: One year after Supreme Court verdict, EPFO releases FAQs for implementing higher pension

The Hindu  

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation, more than a year after the Supreme Court’s verdict on higher Provident Fund pension, has sent to all its units a set of frequently asked questions on implementing the verdict. Trade unions and employers’ representatives have been seeking clarity from the EPFO on the matter, especially on accessing the records of an employee while validating …

EPF Pension: Delhi High Court Restrains EPFO From Taking Coercive Steps On Basis Of Recovery Notices For Higher Pension
1 year, 9 months ago

EPF Pension: Delhi High Court Restrains EPFO From Taking Coercive Steps On Basis Of Recovery Notices For Higher Pension

Live Law  

The Delhi High Court recently restrained the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation from taking any coercive steps with respect to the notices issued to various pensioners by it for making recoveries of the differential amount on higher pension received by them from many years. Justice Rekha Palli passed the interim order in the pleas moved by four pensioners who, after their …

Applications for higher pensions under EPS to be assessed within 20 days of receipt: EPFO
1 year, 9 months ago

Applications for higher pensions under EPS to be assessed within 20 days of receipt: EPFO

Hindustan Times  

The joint applications for higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme will have to be scrutinised within 20 days of receipt, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has directed its field officers. “Hence, it is reiterated that each Applications for Validation of Joint Option/Joint Option shall be scrutinized expeditiously and it shall be ensured that Demand Letter to Employer/Communication to Employer …

Higher pension: EPFO directs offices to calculate dues with interest
1 year, 10 months ago

Higher pension: EPFO directs offices to calculate dues with interest

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has issued an internal circular directing its regional offices on the method to calculate the dues of subscribers who apply for higher PF pension. According to the circular, 8.33% of employer share on higher pay from November 16, 1995 or from the date the pay exceeds the wage ceiling of ₹6,500 and 1.16% of employer …

How to get a higher pension in current EPFO ruling explained
1 year, 10 months ago

How to get a higher pension in current EPFO ruling explained

Live Mint  

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has come up with a procedure for a contribution towards higher EPS pension. According to the labour ministry, the additional contribution of 1.16 per cent of basic wages for subscribers opting for higher pensions will be managed from employers' contributions. Employees Pension Scheme calculation At present, the government pays 1.16 per cent of basic wages …

Give an opportunity to pre-2014 retirees to avail of higher PF pensions: Kerala MP
1 year, 10 months ago

Give an opportunity to pre-2014 retirees to avail of higher PF pensions: Kerala MP

The Hindu  

The demand to provide an opportunity to those pensioners who came under the Employees’ Pension Scheme of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and retired prior to September 1, 2014, without exercising the joint option to avail themselves of higher PF pensions, has been renewed by John Brittas, Member of Parliament from Kerala. In a seven-page letter sent to the Union …

EPFO extends deadline to apply for higher pension till June 26
1 year, 10 months ago

EPFO extends deadline to apply for higher pension till June 26

Hindustan Times  

Employees' Provident Fund Organisation on Tuesday extended the date for filing applications to opt for a higher pension till June 26, 2023. Here's how to check your PF balance According to the statement by the ministry of Labour and Employment, the timeline for filing applications has been extended in order to provide a larger window of opportunity and in order …

EPFO extends deadline to apply for higher pension till June 26
1 year, 10 months ago

EPFO extends deadline to apply for higher pension till June 26

Live Mint  

Retirement fund body EPFO on Tuesday extended the deadline to apply for higher pension till June 26. EPFO has made arrangements for obtaining applications for the validation of option / joint option from pensioners / members as per the Hon’ble Supreme Court order dated 4 November 2022. Earlier, the Supreme Court in its order on November 4, 2022 had mandated …

Extend deadline by 6 months for online submission of consent for higher PF pension: Kerala MP
1 year, 10 months ago

Extend deadline by 6 months for online submission of consent for higher PF pension: Kerala MP

The Hindu  

With the period stipulated by the Employers’ Provident Fund Organisation expiring on Wednesday for sections of employees and pensioners to exercise joint option along with their employers for higher PF pension, the demand has been made by John Brittas, Member of Parliament from Kerala, for extending the deadline by six months. Gupta judgment of the Supreme Court in 2016, Mr. …

Higher pension from EPF: Will EPFO extend the deadline?
1 year, 10 months ago

Higher pension from EPF: Will EPFO extend the deadline?

Live Mint  

With less than 2 days left for individuals to apply for higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme, the question is: Will EPFO extend the deadline? The EPFO issued a circular on 23 April in which it stated that applications and joint options for higher pension will be examined by the field office. Now, on demand of the employees’/employers’ associations …

Higher pension | EPFO to wait for number of applicants before releasing calculation process
1 year, 11 months ago

Higher pension | EPFO to wait for number of applicants before releasing calculation process

The Hindu  

Even as the last date to file joint options to claim higher Provident Fund pension ends on May 3, the Centre has decided to wait for the total number of applicants before releasing the procedures to calculate the pension and the share of employees. The amendments to the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995 to decide the future of the Centre’s …

As EPFO higher pension scheme deadline arrives, check eligibility, interest rate and other details
1 year, 11 months ago

As EPFO higher pension scheme deadline arrives, check eligibility, interest rate and other details

Hindustan Times  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has set May 3 as the last date to submit an application for higher pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme. Employees who became members before 1 September 2014 and continue to be one can apply for higher pension. Documents to submit Employees should share an agreement to allow the transfer of funds from the provident …

Higher pension from EPFO: Deadline, Eligibility, interest rate and other details
1 year, 11 months ago

Higher pension from EPFO: Deadline, Eligibility, interest rate and other details

Live Mint  

With just less than a week left for individuals to apply for higher pensions under the Employees' Pension Scheme, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has issued new details for scrutiny of information and wage details submitted by the employee and employer for higher pension. Confusion over EPFO note on higher pension As per Amit Gupta, MD, SAG Infotech, EPFO in …

Regional PF officers given one month to examine joint options for higher pension
1 year, 11 months ago

Regional PF officers given one month to examine joint options for higher pension

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has released yet another circular on implementing the Supreme Court order on higher PF pension. Regional Provident Fund officers were given one month’s time to examine the joint options for higher pension submitted by employees and employers. The circular released by Regional PF Commissioner Aprajita Jaggi on April 22 said the applications and joint options …

EPFO addresses concerns over higher pension under EPS in its official circular
1 year, 11 months ago

EPFO addresses concerns over higher pension under EPS in its official circular

Firstpost  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has released a circular addressing concerns raised by employees and pensioners when applying for higher pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme. The EPFO extended the deadline for submitting the joint application form for higher pension from the Employees’ Pension Scheme to 3 May, which was originally set for 3 March, 2023. The notification provides clarification …

Minister clears the air over clause restricting persons opting for higher PF pension
1 year, 11 months ago

Minister clears the air over clause restricting persons opting for higher PF pension

The Hindu  

Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav on Thursday clarified that employees and pensioners covered under the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995, “are not restricted from filing application forms/ joint options,” in the absence of the requirement of permission under paragraph 26 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952. Replying to a set of questions raised by John Brittas, Communist Party of …

EPF Pension | Kerala High Court Seeks EPFO Response On Plea Challenging Condition To Show Proof Of Giving Higher Pension Option
2 years ago

EPF Pension | Kerala High Court Seeks EPFO Response On Plea Challenging Condition To Show Proof Of Giving Higher Pension Option

Live Law  

A plea has been filed in the Kerala High Court challenging the requirement of submission of proof of having opted for paying higher Provident Fund contribution under paragraph 26 of the Employees Provident Fund Scheme, towards the higher PF pension. Justice Ziyad Rahman A.A., on Wednesday, admitted the plea, and granted time to the EPFO to submit counter affidavit in …

EPF Board meet pushed to March 27-28
2 years ago

EPF Board meet pushed to March 27-28

The Hindu  

The government on Monday announced the deferral of a meeting of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation board, where it is expected to finalise the EPF rate to be paid on crores of formal sector workers’ retirement savings in its custody for 2022-23. Chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav, the board of trustees of the EPFO was earlier …

EPFO Extends Deadline to Opt for Higher Pension for Members Retired in Sep 2014
2 years ago

EPFO Extends Deadline to Opt for Higher Pension for Members Retired in Sep 2014

News 18  

All eligible pensioners under the Employees’ Pension Scheme 1995 who retired before September 2014 can apply to opt for a higher pension by May 3 this year. On Monday, Parliament was informed that the deadline for eligible pensioners under the Employees Pension Scheme 1995, who retired before September 2014, to opt for higher pension ended on March 3 this year. …

Reprieve for EPS subscribers retired before September 1, 2014
2 years ago

Reprieve for EPS subscribers retired before September 1, 2014

The Hindu  

Following demands from various employees’ and employers’ associations, Union Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav on March 13 extended the time for submitting applications for validation of joint options for higher Provident Fund pension for employees retired before September 1, 2014, till May 3, 2023. The Ministry had earlier extended the date of submission of joint options for Employees Pension Scheme subscribers …

Explained | A breakdown of the higher pension scheme
2 years ago

Explained | A breakdown of the higher pension scheme

The Hindu  

The story so far: The long wait of subscribers of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation and those who retired after September 1, 2014, to apply for higher PF pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995 came to an end on February 27 with the Organisation providing a web link on its members’ page. Even though employers, in many instances, …

Confusion in opting for higher pension using EPFO link: CITU
2 years ago

Confusion in opting for higher pension using EPFO link: CITU

The Hindu  

Centre of Indian Trade Unions general secretary Tapan Sen has written a letter to Central Provident Fund Commissioner Neelam Shami Rao demanding her immediate intervention to resolve the problems in uploading the higher pension option application on the EPFO website. Higher pension | Eligible EPFO members can apply till May 3 Practical problems The former Rajya Sabha member said pensioners …

EPF Pension : Kerala High Court Restrains EPFO From Reducing Higher Pension Received By Petitioners
2 years ago

EPF Pension : Kerala High Court Restrains EPFO From Reducing Higher Pension Received By Petitioners

Live Law  

The Kerala High Court on Wednesday, while considering the plea moved by persons aggrieved by the abrupt discontinuance or reduction of the pension that was being received by them, directed that the same shall not be curtailed, limited or stopped without specific orders from the Court. The petitioners herein, who are covered under the provisions of the Employees Provident Fund …

EPFO starts accepting joint options for higher pension
2 years, 1 month ago

EPFO starts accepting joint options for higher pension

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has enabled a web link on its members’ page on February 27, 2023 allowing employees and pensioners to opt for higher provident fund pension based on actual salary. “The joint option for employees who were in service prior to September 1, 2014, and continued to be in service on or after September 1, 2014, but …

Higher pension | Eligible EPFO members can apply till May 3
2 years, 1 month ago

Higher pension | Eligible EPFO members can apply till May 3

The Hindu  

All eligible members can opt and apply jointly with their employers for higher pension till May 3, 2023 at unified members' portal of retirement fund body EPFO. EPFO issues guidelines for employees, pensioners to opt for higher pension In an office order, EPFO had provided for dealing with the ''Joint Option Form'' by field offices of the body. EPFO has …

Provide more time to submit options for higher PF pension: CITU
2 years, 1 month ago

Provide more time to submit options for higher PF pension: CITU

The Hindu  

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions has urged Central Provident Fund Commissioner Neelam Shami Rao for a “substantial extension of time” beyond March 3 for workers to submit joint options with employers to the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation for receiving higher pension. CITU general secretary Tapan Sen, in a letter, said the circular issued by the EPFO on Monday on …

Waiting to rush: On EPFO guidelines on higher PF pension scheme
2 years, 1 month ago

Waiting to rush: On EPFO guidelines on higher PF pension scheme

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has not acquitted itself well by issuing a circular on higher PF pension at the fag end of the four-month period the Supreme Court had allowed in its November 2022 judgment. This time period was given to members of the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 1995 who were in service as on September 1, 2014 and …

Latest EPFO circular raises further concerns
2 years, 1 month ago

Latest EPFO circular raises further concerns

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation’s February 20, 2023 circular, laying down the broad contours of eligibility for those members of the Employees’ Pension Scheme who were in service as on September 1, 2014 for seeking higher pension, has raised further concerns from activists. Namazi, former Chief Law Officer of the Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation and now the general secretary …

EPFO issues guidelines for employees, pensioners to opt for higher pension
2 years, 1 month ago

EPFO issues guidelines for employees, pensioners to opt for higher pension

The Hindu  

After days of discussions, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has issued a circular on Monday to its regional offices with a set of instructions to implement the November 4 judgment of the Supreme Court on higher provident fund pension. Employees can submit the joint option with the employers using the members’ section of the EPFO website, which will be made …

EPFO gives last chance to opt for higher EPS pension: Latest guidelines
2 years, 1 month ago

EPFO gives last chance to opt for higher EPS pension: Latest guidelines

Live Mint  

Are you a member of Employees' Pension Scheme prior to 31 August, 2014 and continue to be the same? EPFO's new procedure will enable subscribers and their employers to jointly apply for higher pension under Employees' Pension Scheme. EPFO has asked its field offices to provide an option for higher pension to eligible subscribers in accordance with the Supreme Court …

EPFO Unveils Procedure To Apply For Higher Pension Under Employees Pension Scheme
2 years, 1 month ago

EPFO Unveils Procedure To Apply For Higher Pension Under Employees Pension Scheme

ABP News  

Retirement fund body EPFO on Monday came out with a procedure to enable subscribers and their employers to jointly apply for higher pension under Employees' Pension Scheme. EPFO has asked its field offices to provide an option for higher pension to eligible subscribers in accordance with the Supreme Court order. The apex court in its order gave four more months …

Pensioners brace for joint legal battle over EPFO decision to ‘recover’ higher payments
2 years, 1 month ago

Pensioners brace for joint legal battle over EPFO decision to ‘recover’ higher payments

The Hindu  

Prahlad Singh, an octogenarian pensioner retired from the Haryana State Cooperative Agricultural and Rural Development Bank in 2002, is very active in the fight for higher Provident Fund pension based on the actual salary at the time of retirement. Gupta, who led a legal fight in the Supreme Court and received a favourable verdict for a higher pension in 2016, …

The pension conundrum: On the EPFO resource base
2 years, 1 month ago

The pension conundrum: On the EPFO resource base

The Hindu  

Union Minister for Labour and Employment Bhupender Yadav seems to have little to say on the issue of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation allowing sections of subscribers and pensioners to opt for higher pension under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995. The issue of allowing higher pension — pension proposed in the event of employers making 12% mandatory PF contributions on …

EPFO circular soon on allowing online, offline options to submit pleas for higher pension
2 years, 1 month ago

EPFO circular soon on allowing online, offline options to submit pleas for higher pension

The Hindu  

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is likely to publish a circular soon on the procedures for exercising option for higher pension as part of implementing the November 4 judgment of the Supreme Court on the matter. The Supreme Court had given four months’ time, which ends on March 4, 2023, to eligible employees to submit options for higher pension based …

DMK, CPI (M) demand withdrawal of EPFO’s circulars on higher pension
2 years, 1 month ago

DMK, CPI (M) demand withdrawal of EPFO’s circulars on higher pension

The Hindu  

The DMK and the CPI have demanded the withdrawal of two circulars issued by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation in late December 2022 and January, on the issue of payments of higher pensions. M. Shanmugam, DMK’s Member of Parliament and general secretary of the Labour Progressive Federation, told The Hindu over the phone from New Delhi that the circulars had …

Pensioners question EPFO note on higher pension, seek clarity
2 years, 2 months ago

Pensioners question EPFO note on higher pension, seek clarity

The Hindu  

Pensioners’ organisations and members of the Central Board of Trustees of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation have alleged that the recent circulars of the EPFO on higher PF pension are against the Supreme Court verdict on the matter and previous circulars of the organisation. They questioned the EPFO’s stand that the cases of employees, who retired prior to September 1, …

EPFO’s plan to review high pension payout cases sparks concern
2 years, 2 months ago

EPFO’s plan to review high pension payout cases sparks concern

The Hindu  

The latest circular by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation on reopening cases of higher pension for those who retired prior to September 2014 has evoked concern among sections of such pensioners that they may lose the benefit which they have been enjoying for the past five years or so. The cases of employees who retired prior to September 1, 2014 …

EPFO portal offers link to opt for higher pension
2 years, 2 months ago

EPFO portal offers link to opt for higher pension

The Hindu  

Implementing the recent Supreme Court order on higher provident fund pensions, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has made a provision in the member’s portal so that retired workers can opt for higher pension. The EPFO has started taking registration requests from employees for application form for validation of joint options with the employers. They should have also exercised joint option …

EPFO staff, pensioners seek clarity on circular to implement Supreme Court verdict
2 years, 2 months ago

EPFO staff, pensioners seek clarity on circular to implement Supreme Court verdict

The Hindu  

The headquarters of the Employees Provident Fund Organisation is likely to come up with yet another circular on implementing the recent Supreme Court order on higher pension. “The circular is silent about the proper implementation of the Supreme Court verdict. Activist for pensioners’ rights, Parveen Kohli, feared an attempt to hide the real facts from the Supreme Court as certain …

EPFO circular leaves a big chunk of EPS pensioners in the dark about revised scheme
2 years, 2 months ago

EPFO circular leaves a big chunk of EPS pensioners in the dark about revised scheme

The Hindu  

The Employees Provident Fund Organisation ’s latest circular, providing an opportunity to a section of pensioners to apply for higher pensions, is silent about those who could not exercise the option for enhanced pension due to the authorities’ interpretation of the cut-off date. Gupta case of 2016, the apex court stated two months ago that “all the employees who did …

EPFO gives opportunity to a section of pensioners to apply for higher pension
2 years, 2 months ago

EPFO gives opportunity to a section of pensioners to apply for higher pension

The Hindu  

Nearly two months after the Supreme Court’s judgment on the Employees’ Pension Scheme of 2014, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has given an opportunity to a section of pensioners to apply for enhanced pension. Such persons were those who had, prior to their retirement, contributed on higher wages — contributions on salary exceeding the ceiling of ₹5,000 or ₹6,500; exercised …

EPFO issues guidelines on higher pension after SC ruling. How to apply
2 years, 3 months ago

EPFO issues guidelines on higher pension after SC ruling. How to apply

Live Mint  

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has issued clarification in regard to eligibility criteria for higher pension. The Provident Fund regulator issued circular in compliance to the Supreme Court order laying down the terms and condition for an EPFO subscriber for getting higher pension. The EPFO also made it clear that fund authorities shall implement the Supreme Court ruling within a …

Interview with Labour Minister | SC order on higher pension contribution has many implications, says Bhupender Yadav
2 years, 3 months ago

Interview with Labour Minister | SC order on higher pension contribution has many implications, says Bhupender Yadav

The Hindu  

The 17th Asia and the Pacific Regional Meeting of the International Labour Organisation will be held in Singapore between December 5 and 9. On the recent Supreme Court verdict on the EPFO higher pension, Mr. Yadav said it was being examined by his Ministry. In Singapore, India’s suggestions will include the way to strengthen employment service portals, integration of job …

Amid pleas for higher pension, EPFO staff ask head office for guidelines on Supreme Court order
2 years, 3 months ago

Amid pleas for higher pension, EPFO staff ask head office for guidelines on Supreme Court order

The Hindu  

Without any guidelines to implement the recent Supreme Court order on higher Provident Fund pension, the staff in various offices of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation have asked their head office for a “direction” to address the queries from thousands of subscribers they have to face on a daily basis. However, the Pension Division of the head office is yet …

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