EPFO Executive Committee Charts Key Reforms in Pension, Dispute Resolution, and Grievance Redressal

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 19th Jan. The 111th meeting of the Executive Committee (EC) of the Central Board of Trustees, EPF, chaired by Ms. Sumita Dawra, Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, was held on January 18, 2025, at the EPFO Head Office in New Delhi. The meeting, attended by Shri Ramesh Krishnamurthi, CPFC, EPFO, senior ministry officials, and representatives of employers and employees, focused on significant decisions to enhance EPFO operations and services.

Key discussions and outcomes included:

CITES 2.01 Implementation
The committee reviewed the progress of the Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES) 2.01, which consolidates databases and facilitates UAN-based ledgers for all member accounts. This initiative aims to provide faster access to funds and claims processing. The Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS), already benefiting 68 lakh pensioners, was commended for ensuring timely and accurate pension disbursements.

Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
The proposed adoption of ADR mechanisms to address disputes under the EPF & MP Act, 1952, was discussed. This initiative aims to reduce litigation burdens, expedite resolutions, and foster trust among stakeholders. It is particularly focused on cases pending in Industrial Tribunals, emphasizing the need for faster social security delivery.

Pension on Higher Wages
The committee examined the handling of over one lakh pending applications for higher-wage pensions, with 21,000 demand letters issued and 58,000 cases resolved in recent months. Regular video conferences with employers were recommended to correct reverted cases and expedite the submission of joint options before the January 31, 2025 deadline. High-value cases involving Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) were prioritized for resolution within the current fiscal year.

Grievance Redressal Reforms
The EC reviewed plans to improve grievance redressal mechanisms to enhance service delivery and address systemic issues. Frequent grievances were analyzed and categorized to identify root causes, leading to reforms such as simplifying member profile updates and PF transfer processes. Recent directives aim to streamline procedures, reduce delays, and improve overall member satisfaction.

These transformative measures reflect the EPFO’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, expediting services, and ensuring greater satisfaction for its members and pensioners.

 

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