EPFO Higher Pension Scheme: The Kerala High Court has asked the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to make provision in its online system to allow employees and pensioners to opt for higher contribution without the need of giving prior consent certificate Do. Justice Ziyad Rehman AA gave this interim order while hearing the petition of employees and pensioners on Wednesday.
Subscribers have time till May 3
The petition claimed that while opting for higher contribution, a copy of the prior permission has to be given, which is mandatory under the EPF Scheme, 1952. The petitioners argued that the EPFO never insisted on giving such permission and was accepting higher contributions.
They said that they are not able to fill the said column in the online option form, and without giving the proof of prior consent, they will not be able to submit the online option successfully. If they do not do so before the deadline of May 3, they will be deprived of the benefits of the scheme. The Supreme Court has given time till May 3 to choose the option of higher pension.
What did the Kerala High Court say to EPFO?
The EPFO opposed the plea, arguing that permission was a “vital requirement” for availing the benefit. After listening to everyone’s arguments, the High Court said that the petitioners should get interim relief. The court said, “The Supreme Court has fixed May 3, 2023 as the last date for submitting the options. Now EPFO is insisting on proof of prior consent for furnishing the details of the option under Para 26(6) of the EPS Scheme. Also, in view of the specific nature of the online facility provided for this, they are being prevented in a way from submitting the application regarding the said option.
Asked to provide online and offline facilities
The judge said that if the petitioners were not allowed to submit their options before the last date, they would be forever deprived of the opportunity to claim the benefits under the award of the court. The court directed the EPFO and the authorities under it to “make adequate provisions in the online facility so that the employee/pensioner can easily exercise the option as directed by the apex court without proof of consent.” It said that if In case the online facility cannot be suitably modified, other viable options including physical submission of applications may be provided.
It said that the above facilities shall be made available to all within a period of 10 days from the date of the High Court’s order dated April 12. be made available to employees and pensioners.
