EPF Claim: Big relief to EPFO members on claim rejection, Ministry issued guidelines.
The Ministry of Communications has strictly issued a guideline regarding the claim rejection of the members of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). This has brought great relief to the EPFO members who are troubled by repeated claim rejections. The Ministry of Communications has said that claims of members are being rejected in EPFO offices, which is against the service standards of the organization. This wrong practice should be rectified as soon as possible.
In the guidelines issued by the Ministry of Communications, it has been said that many EPFO subscribers have faced issues of rejection of claims more than once and delay beyond the limit of claims. The ministry said that on these complaints of such EPFO members, the regional EPFO offices should take serious steps and rectify them.
Strictness on receiving complaints from shareholders
The Ministry of Communications said that various complaints are being received from PF members, beneficiaries and other stakeholders of EPFO. Cases of harassment and delay are coming to the fore in providing statutory services and payment to regularize members within the stipulated time frame. Members’ applications are being returned multiple times by the Regional Offices for various reasons.
Instructions to stop wrong practice immediately
The ministry said that the complaints of the members point towards irregular practices being followed in some field offices. Malpractices lead to inordinate delays in providing appropriate benefit services to members, including calling for unnecessary documents. The ministry has given instructions to immediately stop the wrong practices.
Officials’ negligence exposed
EPFO is of the view that this is unfair and exposes the reckless use of powers delegated to the concerned officers. The working style of most of the officers will cast a negative light on the organization as well as lower the service standards of the organization. Clear examples of such unfair practices should be mitigated. It was stated that all OICs and other officers should undertake preventive vigilance exercise in the concerned Regional Offices to eliminate malpractices.
no claim rejected
It may also be noted that every claim should be thoroughly examined in the first instance and all reasons for rejection of any claim may be communicated to the member at the first instance itself. It has been observed that in many cases the claims were rejected for one particular reason and when it was resubmitted after correction, it was again rejected for other/different reasons. All responsible officers should ensure that no claim is rejected.
