Question : ALLOTMENT OF EPF NUMBER

(a) whether the attention of the Government had been drawn towards the difficulty faced by local contractor working on Parvati Hydro Power Project being constructed by NHPC on account of non-allotment of EPF code number to them by Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Himachal Pradesh;

(b) if so, since when the matter was brought to the notice of Regional Provident Fund Commissioner and the steps taken by the Government to resolve it;

(c) whether the Government have put a ban on allotment of EPF number; and

(d) if so, since when and the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF LABOUR ( DR. SATYANARAYAN JATIYA )

(a): Yes, Sir.

(b) to (d): The factories/establishments employing 20 or more persons and engaged in any one of the 177 notified industries are coverable under the EPF & MP Act, 1952 on a uniform basis. Accordingly, employers, who are providing services on contract basis are already eligible for allotment of PF code number provided they are engaged in one of the notified industries. However, as provided under the EPF & MP Act, the RPFC Himachal Pradesh has apprised M/s NHPC about their obligations to bear the responsibilities for deposit of PF in respect of all the employees employed directly or indirectly for work on their project.