Business Standard: New Delhi: Thursday, 24 July 2025.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation obliged to reply to application within 30 days
If you are struggling with
delays or lack of clarity about your Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) account,
filing an application under the Right to Information (RTI) could help cut the
red tape. Under the RTI Act, 2005, you can request information from the
Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and receive a response within 30
days.
Whether it is a pending claim, incorrect employer contributions, or transfer issues, here’s a simple guide to filing an RTI online.
What information can you seek?
Before filing an application, be clear about the information you need. RTI is designed for seeking factual data, not explanations or opinions. You can request:
The simplest way to file an RTI is through the government’s RTI portal: rtionline.gov.in.
Here’s how to do it:
Once submitted, the Public Information Officer has 30 days to respond. Replies are sent via email or post.
Keep a copy of your RTI application and payment receipt for future reference. If there’s no response within 30 days, you can file a first appeal through the same portal.
Employees' Provident Fund Organisation obliged to reply to application within 30 days
Whether it is a pending claim, incorrect employer contributions, or transfer issues, here’s a simple guide to filing an RTI online.
What information can you seek?
Before filing an application, be clear about the information you need. RTI is designed for seeking factual data, not explanations or opinions. You can request:
- Status of EPF withdrawal or transfer claims
- Employer contribution details
- Updates to your EPF passbook
- Reasons for delays in claim settlements
The simplest way to file an RTI is through the government’s RTI portal: rtionline.gov.in.
Here’s how to do it:
- Go to the portal and click ‘Submit Request’.
- Read the usage guidelines and tick the checkbox confirming you understand them.
- Click ‘Submit’ to proceed.
- On the online form, under ‘Select Ministry/Department’, choose Ministry of Labour and Employment.
- Then, under ‘Select Public Authority’, select Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
- Fill in your details carefully
- Your full name, gender, and contact details
- RTI is only for Indian citizens
- Your query regarding EPFO
- Any relevant details like claim IDs to help officials trace your request
- Pay the application fee
- The standard RTI application fee is Rs 10, payable online via debit card, internet banking, or UPI.
- Applicants falling under the Below Poverty Line category are exempt but must upload proof.
Once submitted, the Public Information Officer has 30 days to respond. Replies are sent via email or post.
Keep a copy of your RTI application and payment receipt for future reference. If there’s no response within 30 days, you can file a first appeal through the same portal.
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