Sahara and EPFO reach the Lucknow High Court over litigation
The bad days for debt laden Sahara group are not coming to an end. The Provident Fund office has ordered an investigation to check if Sahara India and its group of companies’ are paying the statutory retirement savings of its claimed 10.13 lakh employees as per the law.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) headquarters has asked all its regional offices to ensure that no unit of the Sahara group is left uncovered and no employee is left un-enrolled into the mandatory EPF scheme.
In any case where the Sahara group has not complied with the PF law, the PF commissioners are empowered to take immediate action which includes initiating attachment proceedings to recover dues. The EPFO regional offices are directed to report to the H.Q every fortnight and bring to light any irregularity which they have witnessed during the audit. In an order dated June 6, the EPFO has directed its regional offices to follow this order diligently.
EPFO is stringent about the coverage of all the Sahara group of establishments. In case of already covered units, the up-to-date compliance position may be checked. EPFO is insisting in getting reasons from the group for non-coverage till date and has mandated the regional offices to cover all the units of Sahara Group.
A Sahara spokesperson mentioned that the PF office and the Sahara group are involved in litigation on this issue in the Lucknow High Court. The spokesperson also mentioned that the Sahara group has always co-operated with the PF authorities and has provided all the information sought by them. They also have always looked into the interest of their employees and have complied by the PF laws, regulations and rules.
Source - The Economic Times
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