Synopsis
In a crucial meeting, the EPF Central Board of Trustees discussed the implementation of CITES 2.01 and the status of pensions on higher wages. Recommendations for an ADR mechanism were made to expedite claim processing and improve grievance redressal systems.Key Takeaways
- Review of CITES 2.01 progress.
- Enhancements to pension processing.
- Implementation of ADR mechanisms.
- Expedited resolution of pending applications.
- Improvements to grievance redressal processes.
New Delhi, Jan 19 (NationPress) The Executive Committee of the EPF Central Board of Trustees convened a meeting where various essential topics were discussed, including the advancements in the Centralized IT Enabled System (CITES), the status of pensions based on increased wages, and a proposal for an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanism, as mentioned in a statement released on Sunday.
Under the chairmanship of Sumita Dawra, Secretary of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the committee reviewed the progress of CITES 2.01, which aims to create a UAN-based ledger for all member accounts, thus enabling quicker access to funds and more efficient claims processing. The successful implementation of the Centralized Pension Payment System (CPPS), designed to streamline pension processes, was also evaluated, with benefits extending to 68 lakh pensioners by ensuring timely and accurate pension disbursements.
The committee was informed about the rapid processing of over 1 lakh pending applications in the last month and the issuance of 21,000 demand letters through regular monitoring of field offices and timely clarifications. The number of resolved cases has seen a rise of approximately 58,000.
To expedite the correction of reverted cases, the committee suggested conducting regular Video Conferences with Employers, ensuring that joint options are submitted by the deadline of January 31, 2025. It was emphasized that maximum work should be completed within the approved framework by the end of the current fiscal year, particularly for cases involving significant amounts related to PSUs.
The committee also deliberated on the proposed adoption of ADR mechanisms intended to substantially decrease the litigation burden and associated delays, promoting quicker and more amicable resolutions of disputes pending at various levels, especially in Industrial Tribunals regarding damages under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. This strategy is expected to provide swift social security for the involved parties, conserve resources, and foster trust among stakeholders, as stated by officials.
Additionally, the Executive Committee reviewed initiatives to enhance the grievance redressal process, aiming to improve service delivery, streamline procedures, and alleviate member difficulties. An analysis of prevalent grievances within the EPFO has led to the identification and categorization of recurring issues.
The reform initiatives are designed to tackle the root causes of these challenges and resolve them through systematic improvements. In this regard, the EPFO issued two directives earlier this week aimed at simplifying the online process for updating member profiles and the PF transfer process.
