Revised Procedure For Transfer of Accounts under EPF Scheme

Through the EPF Scheme, the Central Office has listed clearly the steps to be followed in order to transfer accounts. The process is as follows:

1.       For employees with an existing UAN, employer will need to go through registration formalities on the portal. Details that need to be furnished include:

-          Past UAN

-          Aadhar number

-          Name and date of birth

This is important since there have been several cases of incorrect linking of members and UAN.

2.       Data shall then be validated against UAN for any discrepancies.

3.       In cases where Aadhar number and UAN have been verified and seeded before, request made through Form 11 will prompt an automated transfer where existing accumulations will be added to the new PF ID. An automated SMS will be sent to the registered mobile number intimating the proposed transfer. The auto transfer will only proceed further if:

-          There is no request to stop the auto transfer by the member within 10 days of sending SMS (the transfer may be stopped online, by visiting the nearest EPFO office or through the employer)

-          The first deposit by current employer is deposited and reconciled.

4.       Once the actual transfer has been made, intimation via SMS on number seeded against UAN, and email will be sent.

5.       Form 13 will need to be used to apply in order to carry out a physical transfer. This is only in the following cases:

-          Earlier UAN was not seeded with the Aadhar

-          UAN and Aadhar were seeded but not verified

-          EPF transfer form or to exempted establishment

6.       It will be extremely difficult to transfer old accumulations into the new account without the Aadhar card, and therefore employers must ensure Aadhar number is filled in EPFO portal.

View the official document at http://comply4hr.com/noti/2016/EPFS2017Sep19.pdf

EPFO Discontinues Physical Submission of Provident Fund Form 9

The EPFO remains committed to its move to enable computerised, rapid working, and making the office paper-free. In its latest endeavour in facilitating the same, the Submission of Provident Fund Form 9 in physical copy has been discontinued.

Who does this impact?

This is applicable to all members joining, and to all establishments covered on or after 1^st October 2017.

How will this work?

The electronic form will be available for all purposes starting on 1^st October 2017, and the physical form will be discontinued simultaneously.

What are its benefits?

The physical form is virtually redundant considering all details including name, gender, details of birth and marriage, as well as bank details are available in the employee master existing in the system. The presence of an online form not only reduces paperwork, but also enables settlement of claims electronically and allows for ease of business.

 What documentation will this entail?

The documents required for every new employee will include:

-          Aadhar Card

-          Pan Card

-          Bank Account Details, which will benefit employees applying online

The official document for discontinuance along with a copy of the order is available at http://comply4hr.com/noti/2016/EPFS2017Sep18.pdf

Government Publishes New Shops and Establishments Act

The Maharashtra Shops & Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017 has been published on the 7^th of September, 2017. While the Act is yet to be notified, there are several critical components that the Act covers. Here is a summary of all that the Act conveys:

Act and Applicability

-          The Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act is replaced with the new Act

-          It shall come into force from a date that is yet to be notified

-          It applies to all establishments other than factories

-          Provisions that are similar to those in the Factories Act have been incorporated into the Act

-          Rules shall be framed under the Act by the Government

-          Government to appoint Chief Facilitator under the Act

Mandates

-          Establishments are to apply for online registration. Labour Identification Number (LIN) will be provided to each

-          Intimation needs to be given to chief facilitators online, for all establishments employing less than 10 members. Relevant documents must be uploaded, following which intimation receipt will be received from concerned authorities

-          Maximum years of renewal is now 10 years

-          Annual returns to be filed by all establishments

Salient Features

-          Identity card to be given to all workers

-          Hours of work, overtime, compensatory off, etc. shall all be taken into consideration

-          Leave rules shall include accumulation and encashment of leave, eight paid festival holidays, 8 days casual leave

-          Woman worker can work from 9.30pm to 7am with her consent, and provided employers maintain her dignity, honour, protection from sexual harassment at the premises and until her doorstep

-          Health and safety provisions for workers

Institution of Central Inspection System for Integration of Systems

The constitution of  Central Inspection System(CIS) has been aimed at integrating the Independent Inspection system of the Labour commissionerate. 

In CIS  following Acts/rules under Labour commissionerate ,Directorate of Industries Health and safety, Maharasthra state Pollution  Control Board and Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board will be considered.

·         - All  inspection will be directed through CIS

·         - Inspection  will be schedule online.

·         - The  inspection duration is  as per the category of industries  i.e. Monthly, quarterly, Half yearly and yearly .

·         - Inspector’s visit on rotational basis.

·         - Report to be uploaded  on  CIS system by inspector  within 48 hours from the time of inspection.

·         - Third party certification / Self certification  is allowed for low and medium risk industries.

·         - Risk based inspection procedure for various  departments.

The complete notification is available at http://comply4hr.com/noti/2016/CESOA2017Aug29.pdf