Central Government withdraws the notification from EPF

Central Government decides to withdraw the notification on withdrawal from EPF

Press Information Bureau
Government of India
Ministry of Labour & Employment
21-April-2016 17:51 IST

Government Decides to withdraw the 10th February 2016 Notification with Immediate Effect

Government had issued a notification dated 10th February 2016 regarding withdrawal from EPF Funds by the members. Under the revised rules, the employee was permitted to withdraw the employees’ share from the fund (which is 12% of the wages). However, it was prescribed that the employers contribution towards the Provident Fund would be allowed to be withdrawn only at the age of retirement (58 years). The objective was to provide a minimum social security at the time of retirement. It was noticed that over 80% of the claims settled by EPF belonged to pre-mature withdrawal of funds, treating the EPF accounts as savings accounts, and not a Social Security instrument.

In order to address the issues the amendment stated above was carried with the consent of Trade Unions and with the intention of promoting provident fund for the members at the end of their working lifetimes.

However, considering the representations received and after consultations with the various stakeholders, Minister of State (IC) Labour and Employment, Sh Bandaru Dattatreya announced that the government has decided to withdraw what is said on 10th February 2016 Notification with immediate effect.

Accordingly, the workers are now allowed to withdraw the entire amount from the provident fund as per the EPF Scheme 1952 including the employer share of 3.7%.

Source: PIB News