Struggling with PF Withdrawal: Where Can Officials Sign and How to Navigate the Process?

Dear all,

I have been struggling for the past year. My previous employer is not signing my PF withdrawal form. The EPFO website clearly states that it is not mandatory for the withdrawal form to be signed by the previous employer. It can be signed by:

1. Manager of your bank (Nationalized banks only)
2. Postmaster
3. Any gazetted officer, MLA, MP, etc.
4. Public notary

Now, my questions are:

1. In which column of the PF withdrawal form will the above-mentioned individuals sign?
2. The PF office is in Delhi, and I reside in Bangalore. Can I send it through registered post?
3. Can we, as HR professionals, start a movement to bring to the government's attention the issues we face and request the removal of the column requiring the previous employer's signature or the addition of a column for the signature of the above-mentioned officials?
4. Is the PF really necessary?

Regards,
Vinay

The authorized persons, i.e., Bank Manager, etc., can sign both Form 19 and 10 C. The signature is put as an attestation of the signature of the PF member who is making the application for withdrawal. It is always easy for a Bank Manager to attest the signature of a member who has a bank account with him. Such kind of attestation is done in cases where the employer could not be traced or if the employer refuses to sign the forms.

Filled-in forms duly attested by the authorized persons shall be sent to the concerned PF office from anywhere in India or even abroad and not necessarily as registered post. When the EPFO has already approved some persons as authorized to sign the forms, there seems to be no need for a campaign.

EPF is a social security scheme by which employees get a lot of benefits. It is an investment as well. You cannot rule out its significance.

Regards,

Madhu.T.K

Dear Mr. Madhu,

Thank you for your valuable reply. However, when I observe the illiterate employees and unskilled workers at factories and facility management companies, it is disheartening. Thousands of crores of rupees are lying unclaimed at EPFO due to this issue.

Regards,
Vinay

Will it be enough to get signed by only a bank manager? Kindly mention what other documents are needed along with Form 19 and 10C. Do the other documents also need to be signed by the bank manager? Is it possible if I get signed by a bank manager in a bank where I do not have an account? I am waiting for your valuable reply.