EPFO settles whopping 90 pct of 6.06 lakh Covid-19 claims in just 3 working days

If the EPFO numbers involved are any indicators, all those who wish to expedite their Covid-19 claims have a great opportunity to get them cleared. In a major relief to the poor, Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has settled 90 pct of the 6.06 lakh Covid-19 related claims it received, in just 3 days, setting new standards of service delivery through a special software designed for speedy disposal. The entire 6.06 lakh Covid claims were settled in 15 working days where the organisation disbursed Rs 1954 cr.

The Covid-19 claims were settled under the the Government's flagship programme - Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana according to a release published by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. EPFO is a statutory body which works under the aegis of the labour ministry.  

Apart from this, the EPFO also settled another 3.96 lakh non-Covid EPFO claims within the 15-day period. Over all, the organisation disbursed over Rs 3600 cr for these 10.02 lakh claims, the release said.

The disbursals were made amid the nationwide lockdown with most government departments working with skelatal staff. "Despite only one-third staff being able to work due to lockdown, 90 per cent of COVID-19 claims have been settled in 3 working days," the government release said.

The Central Government on 26 March launched the PMGKY to help the economically weaker sections to cope up with financial distress on account of the coronavirus pandemic, forcing a nationwide lockdown. The government has extended the lockdown till 3 May, with some relaxations.

A provision for withdrawal from the EPF Scheme to fight COVID-19 pandemic was announced by the government under the programme. An urgent notification introduced special para 68 L (3) in the EPF Scheme, providing for non-refundable withdrawal to the extent of basic wages and DA for three months or up to 75 per cent of the amount standing to  member's credit in the EPF account, whichever is less.

EPFO has also provided facility to file online COVID-19 advance claims, which along with other services, can also be filed on UMANG APP from mobile phones.

See Zee Business Live TV Streaming Below:
 ​

EPFO reiterates its commitment to serve its members during this difficult situation, and EPFO offices are functional to help them overcome this crisis.