Employees' Provident Fund Organisation of India - Structure

Structure

The EPFO has the dual role of being the enforcement agency to oversee the implementation of the EPF& MP Act and as a service provider for the covered beneficiaries throughout the country. To this end, the Commissioners of the Organisation are vested with vast powers under the statute conferring quasi- judicial authority for search and seizure of records, assessment of financial liability on the employer, levy of damages, attachment and auction of a defaulter's property, prosecution and arrest and detention in civil prison.

Administratively, the organisation is organised into zones which are headed by an Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner for each of the political states in the country. The states have either one or more than one Regional Offices headed by Regional P.F. Commissioners (Grade I) which are further sub- divided into Sub-Regions headed by Regional P.F. Commissioners (Grade II). To assist them are Assistant P.F. Commissioners. Most of the districts in the country have small district offices where an Enforcement Officer is stationed to inspect the local establishments and attend to grievances.

The total manpower of the EPFO is at present more than 20000 including all levels. The Commissioner cadre numbering 815 are recruited directly, competitively, through the Union Public Service Commission of India as well as through promotion from lower ranks. Subordinate Officers (Enforcement Officers/Accounts Officers) are also recruited directly in addition to promotion from the staff cadre of social security assistants.