Forceful recovery of arrears of employees’ EPF contribution - CHQ writes to Director (HR), BSNL.

It is a well-established guideline under the EPF rulings that if any EPF contribution is not deducted or deposited by the principal employer within the prescribed time, the entire liability—both the employees’ share and the employer’s share—has to be borne by the principal employer alone. The issue was discussed in detail in the National Council meeting in the case of Shri Manoj Sharma, M.P. circle, wherein the Management had agreed to abide by the EPF rulings. The same was also duly recorded in the minutes of the National Council meeting. However, it is highly unfortunate that the Management is reluctant to implement the decision of the National Council as well as the clear guidelines issued by the EPF authorities. Despite the agreed position, forceful recovery of arrears of EPF contribution from employees’ salaries is still being resorted to. In view of this, the CHQ has addressed a letter to the Director (HR), BSNL, urging him to ensure immediate implementation of the EPF rulings in this regard and to stop forthwith the forceful recovery of arrear EPF amounts from employees’ salaries.