Regional Provident Fund Commissioner Instructs PCCF to Cover DRMs Under EPF Scheme

Details

Port Blair, May 17: The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, EPF A & N Regional Office, Port Blair has asked the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, A&N Islands to cover the daily rated mazdoors working under various Divisions of Forest Department under the EPF Scheme. Swiftly acting on a copy of the letter received from D. Ayyappan, President, Andaman & Nicobar Forest Department Workers Union (CITU), the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner in a letter dated 10th May 2024 addressed to the PCCF has stated that the Forest Department which appears coverable under the EPF & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 is not registered thereunder.  

Pointing out the provisions of the Act, the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner stated that the Act is applicable from the date the employment strength reaches 20 (which includes casual/temporary employees engaged by or through a contractor) in respect of establishment/factories notified by the Government of India. EPF Commissioner told the PCCF that since the Forest Department seems to fall under the notified category of establishments/industries and asked the PCCF to furnish registration number, if any, already obtained under the said Act or may register the establishment under the Act online through the website “shramsuvidha. gov.in” by following the procedure specified and intimate the facts to the EPF office. 

The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner warned the PCCF that in case of failure or wilful delay in registering the establishment under the Act, having fulfilled the conditions of law, the facts would be taken up for recommending for appropriate legal action to decide the position of applicability and to proceed with appropriate legal/penal actions to secure compliance.  

D Ayyappan, President, Andaman & Nicobar Forest Department Workers Union (CITU) on 8th May, 2024 addressed to the PCCF and copy to the Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Port Blair had asked the Forest Department to bring the daily rated mazdoors working in various Divisions of Forest Department under the EPF Scheme.