New Delhi: Previously, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) introduced an online facility for the submission of applications for the validation of options/joint options for pension based on higher wages. This facility catered to eligible pensioners/members, adhering to the Supreme Court order dated 04.11.2022. Launched on 26.02.2023, the initial availability period was set until 03.05.2023. However, considering employee representations, the deadline was extended to 26.06.2023, providing a comprehensive four-month window for eligible pensioners/members to file applications.
A final opportunity of 15 days was granted to address any challenges faced by eligible pensioners/members. Consequently, the deadline for the submission of applications for the validation of options/joint options by employees was further extended to 11.07.2023. As of 11.07.2023, 17.49 lakh applications for the validation of options/joint options had been received from pensioners/members.
Responding to requests from employers and employers’ associations to extend the time period for uploading wage details of applicant pensioners/members, an additional three months were provided for online submission, now set to expire on 30.09.2023. This deadline was further extended to 31.12.2023 due to numerous representations from employers and employers’ associations requesting an extension.
Currently, more than 3.6 lakh applications for the validation of options/joint options are pending with employers for processing. To ensure the processing of these remaining applications, the Chairman of the Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund (CBT EPF), has approved the proposal for another extension. Employers are now granted additional time until 31st May 2024 to upload wage details online and complete related tasks.
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