EPFO Evaluates Response to High Court Ruling on International Workers

New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is deliberating its response to a recent judgment issued by the esteemed High Court of Karnataka regarding provisions for International Workers under the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, and Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995.

The judgment, which pertains specifically to Paragraph 83 of the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952, and Paragraph 43A of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995, raises concerns about their consistency with Article 14 of the Constitution. The EPFO acknowledges the importance of addressing these concerns and is actively evaluating the appropriate course of action in response to the judgment.

Presently, India has social security agreements with 21 countries, which ensure reciprocal coverage for employees from these nations. These agreements guarantee continued social security coverage for individuals working internationally, facilitating smooth transitions and ensuring uninterrupted benefits for employees moving between countries.

These agreements play a crucial role in promoting international mobility and leveraging the demographic dividend. They contribute to India’s efforts to facilitate global employment opportunities while ensuring the social security rights of workers from partner countries.