The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on May 06, 2026, issued circular regarding the Handling of complaints/grievances pertaining to compliance matters.
The circular lays down a uniform procedure for handling complaints and grievances related to compliance matters across all offices. It supersedes earlier circulars and introduces a structured mechanism by designating Nodal Officers and Review Officers at Regional and Zonal levels. All complaints received at any level must be registered on the CAIU portal and forwarded to the concerned Regional Office for action.
The Regional Office is responsible for verifying complaints thoroughly, ensuring that necessary details such as employee identity, employment information, and supporting documents are provided. If information is incomplete, the complainant is given 7 days to furnish details. Once verified as prima facie genuine, the complaint is taken up with the concerned establishment, which is generally given 7 days (extendable by another 7 days) to resolve the issue.
If the employer fails to comply within the stipulated time, a reminder is issued, and further action may be taken. In unresolved cases requiring inspection, the matter is referred to the Zonal Office for approval, which must respond within 7 days. Upon approval, inspection is conducted as per the provisions of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The process emphasizes resolving issues through communication and verification before resorting to inspections.
After resolution, the complainant is informed and a feedback mechanism is provided, allowing review within 15 days if dissatisfied. The circular also highlights the use of electronic communication, proper handling of complaints involving vigilance issues against officials, and strict adherence to inspection guidelines. Overall, it aims to ensure efficient, transparent, and time-bound resolution of compliance-related grievances.
[Notification No. CAIU/011/V-1(27)2026/Circulars/E-1273909/703 ]
