Is EPFO's Order on PF Deductions for HRA and Transport Allowance Affecting Us?

Dear Sir, can anybody help us by answering our query? We are working at Indian Oil Corporation Limited in West Bengal. We have learned that EPFO has issued orders to Regional Offices to deduct PF on HRA, Transport Allowance, etc., for employees of various organizations based on judgments of the M.P. High Court.

EPFO Orders on PF Deductions

Sir, in our case, employees receive HRA if they do not occupy company accommodations and receive Transport Allowances if they do not use company transport.

Our Query

Our query, Sir, is whether the EPFO's order is applicable to our company. If so, what steps should we take, as our company has not been deducting PF on HRA and Transport Allowances until now?

Thank you.

You may contact the Additional Central PF Commissioner, Dr. Mahendra Raju (Kolkata RPFO), for proper advice. He was in Bangalore and recently got transferred to Kolkata. He can be reached on mobile number [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons].

Regards,
Nagaraj G

Dear Tapan, in the matter of Madhya Pradesh, this is only a decision taken by the court in a particular case. It is not a Government order (G.O.), so it is not applicable to you. For a G.O., it first needs to be raised by a committee, then after amendment, it goes to the Government for approval. If the government approves it, then it will be published in the Official Gazette.

Therefore, please deduct PF as per the rules; do not follow the decision of the Madhya Pradesh Court.

Thank you.

Dear Mr. Tapan, I am attaching the relevant document for your reference. Kindly go through it and clarify with the nearest PF authorities.

Regards, Alphonse [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]