Higher PF pension: Total applicants from Kerala 17 lakh, ineligible applications 7 lakh

New Delhi: Even after two years and three months since the Supreme Court's verdict on higher PF pension, uncertainty continues to prevail in its implementation in Kerala. Employers have yet to submit 2.24 lakh applications for additional contributions required for higher pensions to the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

The Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) clearly states under Section 16-A pension benefits should not be denied due to an employer's fault. However, the fate of applications that have been withheld or awaiting clarity remains uncertain.

Kerala lags in processing applications
Among the field offices, Kerala has fallen behind in settling joint option applications. Of the 72,712 applications received in the state, only 19,886 have been processed, including those for which demand letters were issued or applications were rejected. That means Kerala has settled just 27.35% of the total applications. The national average stands at 59%.

However, Kerala is not lagging in the final stage which is validation. While the national average for validation completion is 78%, Kerala has achieved 70%.

The figures came out after documents were submitted in connection with the agenda of the EPFO Central Trustee Board meeting held on Friday. 

Reasons for delay

• Lack of clarity in processing methods at some offices.
• The need to calculate salary details spanning up to 348 months for members.
• Discrepancies in records requiring clarifications from employers.
• Verification challenges for employees who have worked in multiple establishments across different regional offices.

Reasons for rejection

• Applicants who do not fall within the scope of SC verdict.
• Retired employees who did not opt for higher pension before September 1, 2014, as per SC order. Majority had not exercised the option.
• Applicants who have not submitted the amount specified in the demand letter.

Data

• Total applicants: 17.49 lakh
• Ineligible applicants: 7.35 lakh
• Applications not submitted by employers: 2.24 lakh
• Applications returned to employers for clarification: 3.92 lakh
• Demand letters issued: 2.19 lakh (Most are expected to receive pensions)
• Beneficiaries already receiving higher pensions: 24,006
• Beneficiaries likely to receive soon: 9,529
• Applications under EPFO review: 2.14 lakh