EPFO asks its field offices to ensure compliance by BSNL

NEW DELHI: Retirement fund body EPFO has asked its field formation to ensure that all casual as well as contract workers employed by state-run telecom operator BSNL are provided the benefit of social security schemes run it.

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation's (EPFO) directive for its field offices came after a BSNL workers reported discrepancies in implementation of the schemes by BSNL.

"The BSNL Casual and Contract Workers Federation reported that the provisions of the Employees' Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 and the schemes framed thereunder are not implemented in respect of workers engaged directly and also through contractors by BSNL," an office order stated.

It said, "in case of some of these (BSNL) workmen, the EPF contributions has not been paid by BSNL for the period from the date of their engagement up to January 10, 2011."

The order stated that all the regional offices are "advised to see that all casual labourers (including those having temporary status mazdoor) are extended benefits as delineated in the Act and schemes framed thereunder."

Similar directions were issued in case of contract workers of the BSNL.

As per a report submitted by the BSNL, as many as 3,469 casual labourers (including those having temporary status) were working in the company in 2014.

It was also asked to field offices to prepare a detailed report of PF dues, interest on that and damages under the provisions of the Act and submit it to the EPFO Head office so that the matter can be taken up with the BSNL Chairman and Managing Director.