The labour
ministry on Friday sought an explanation from the Employees’ Provident Fund
Organisation (EPFO) on a controversial circular that will make it difficult for
the agency to initiate proceedings against defaulting employers and recover
provident fund dues of workers.
Labour
minister Mallikarjun Kharge is understood to have asked the EPFO to explain the
urgency in issuing the circular without consulting the ministry. “Neither was
it discussed with the ministry, nor was it put up before the Central Board of
Trustees. It took everyone by surprise,” the official said, adding that the
missive may be withdrawn or modified. Former central PF commissioner RC Mishra
on November 30, his last day in service, issued the circular which has been red
flagged by union leaders and has also been opposed internally.
Kharge has
also raised questions on a clause for lump sum assessments of agencies that
hire migratory workers on short term basis. Referring to the construction
sector, the circular has barred assessments unless individual members are
identified.
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