(a) whether the computerisation of Employees Provident Fund (EPF) has been delayed for long;
(b) if so, the details of steps being taken in this regard;
(c) the time by which the said project is likely to be completed;
(d) whether the EPFO has asked companies to disclose all the required information online; and
(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT (SHRI MALLIKARJUN KHARGE)
(a) to (c): The current phase of Computerization Project of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation was approved by the Central Board of Trustees, Employees’ Provident Fund in its 182nd meeting held on 17th April 2008 and accordingly the
Project has been implemented in collaboration with the National Informatics Center (NIC) in 119 offices out of 120 offices
by 31st March 2011. The computerization in Keonjhar (Odisha) office could not be completed as the present office premises
are not suitable for implementing the Project. However, an alternative building has been identified to complete the computerization of Keonjhar Office.
(d) & (e): Employees’ Provident Fund Organization has introduced an online Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) from April 2012. Employers covered under Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 are required to register on
the Employees Provident Fund website. Every month employers are required to upload the Electronic Challan Cum Return containing employee wise details of wages, Provident Fund dues and remittances as well as date of birth, date of joining/
exit etc. After uploading these details, an online challan is generated to make payment of PF dues either through internet banking of State Bank of India (SBI) or at any designated branch of SBI. On receipt of electronic return and payment information from SBI, the subscribers accounts are updated automatically within a day or two. Additional features like
access of account details by employees as well as employers are also available under ECR.