Hold regional committees' meetings: EPFO to field offices

Expressing concern over fewer deliberations by its regional committees, retirement fund body EPFO has asked field formations to immediately hold their meeting to discuss mandated issues and progress of new moves.
As per the EPF Scheme 1952, these panels are required to meet at least twice in a financial year.
As many as 29 meetings of various regional committees were held during the previous fiscal and according to EPFO's records, no regional committee meeting was held in Assam, Bihar, Goa and Jharkhand during 2013-14.
"the meeting of the regional committee, of your state/UT may be convened immediately...," an office order said.

These regional committees of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) are constituted by chairman of its apex decision making body Central Board of Trustee (CBT).
These panels advice the CBT on issues like progress of recovery of PF dues, expeditious disposal of prosecutions, speedy settlement of claims, annual rendering of accounts to members of the fund and speedy sanction of advances.

Besides, the CBT can refer any matter to them from time to time. These issues are generally connected with the administration of the EPFO's schemes in the state.
The deliberations on various issues by these committees help the CBT to assess the progress and implementation of initiatives, and on-ground efficacy of social security schemes run by the EPFO.

These committees have two representatives each from state, employers' and employees side. Besides it also has on its board the members of the CBT who are resident of the state.
According to the officer order, the members of the regional committees of the states and UTs are also required to be apprised of the present development and action taken by the organisation regarding Universal Account Number, Shram Suvidha portal etc.
"The regional committee in its meetings may also be informed to take up the issue of enrolment of contractual workers, particularly those working in departments of state governments & other public bodies including municipal corporation and PSUs in the state...This is a high priority area and should be pursued vigorously through the regional Committees," it added.