EPFO issued a circular No. Pension/PoHW/PartFile-101123/Scrutiny (e-103310)/1375 Date: 02.06.2023 emphasizing the adherence to timelines for scrutinizing applications for validation of joint options. The circular states that applications with complete information approved by the employer will be examined for completeness, and if the records and wage details match, demand letters will be issued. In cases where applications are not approved or lack complete information, employers will be given an opportunity to provide additional proof or correct any errors. The prompt issuance of demand letters to employers for validation of joint options is crucial, and all zonal offices are instructed to monitor and ensure timely scrutiny of applications.
EPFO, HEAD OFFICE
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
BHAVISHYA NIDHI BHAWAN, 1q, BHIKAIJI CAMA PLACE, NEW DELHI 110066
www.epfindia.gov.in
Pension/PoHW/PartFile-101123/Scrutiny (e-103310)/1375
Date: 02.06.2023
All Addl. CPFCs, Zonal Offices
All RPFCs / OlCs, Regional Offices
Sub:- Adherence to timelines for Scrutiny of Applications for Validation of Joint Option /Joint Option- reg.
Madam/Sir,
Please refer to the subject cited above.
In this regard, attention is invited to the circular dated 23.04.2023 for Scrutiny of Applications for Validation / Joint Options. Vide the said circular it was directed that Applications for Validation / Joint Options in which all information is provided and have been vetted and approved by the employer will be examined for completeness for provided records and in case the records and wage details submitted by the employer match with the field office details, the dues will be calculated and demand letter will be issued to the employer.
2. Further, it was also directed that if the Applications for Validation / Joint Options are not approved by the employer or complete information is not provided in the Applications for Validation / Joint Options but approved by the employer, an opportunity will be given to the employer under intimation to the employee/pensioner for providing any additional proof or evidence or correction of any mistake/errors (including those made by the employees/pensioners).
3. Therefore, the expeditious disposal of the Applications for Validation of Joint Options/Joint Options from pensioners/ members being submitted by employers and forwarded to Field Offices in the same time as it exists for other claims becomes of utmost importance. However, during regular reviews through VC it has been observed that Demand Letter / Communication to employer has not been issued promptly for cases said to have been
4. 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 is issued for providing any additional proof or evidence or correct any mistakes/ errors (including made by employers/ pensioners) in respect of each Application for Validation of Joint Option/Joint Option within 20 days of receipt of the application in the login of the Dealing Assistant.
5. Further, all Zonal Offices are directed to monitor and ensure the scrutiny of applications within timeline so that Demand Letter to Employer / Communication Letter to Employer for providing any additional proof or evidence or correct any mistakes/ errors is issued without any delay.
[This issues with the approval of ACC-HQ (Pension).]
Yours faithfully,
(Apraj Jaggi)
Regional P.F. Commissioner-I (Pension)
Copy to:-
1. All CBT Members for kind information please.
2. PS to CPFC.
3. FA & CAO, CVO, Director, PDNASS and All ZTIs.
4. All ACC (HQ)s and ACCs in HO.
5. Rajbhasha section for providing Version in Hindi.
