Struggling to Withdraw My PF After Company Acquisition – How Can I Resolve This?

Hi All, This is in reference to my PF withdrawal, and I am facing an issue in getting my PF. I joined a company in 2006 in Dehradun and worked there until 2008. After my resignation, I went abroad and could not apply for my PF.

Upon my return to India in 2009, I discovered that the company had undergone a change in management and had been acquired by a new owner, whose office is in Gurgaon. All PF formalities can now only be handled through the Gurgaon office.

After several attempts, I managed to contact the appropriate person at the company's Gurgaon office. I was instructed to fill out the PF form and send all my documents to them. I submitted all the necessary paperwork and the form in March 2012, but there has been no progress since then. When attempting to reach the HR department of the company, calls are disconnected, and my emails go unanswered. I am at a loss on how to retrieve my funds. It has been nearly a year of unsuccessful attempts to claim my PF from this company. I have since relocated to Bangalore, making it impractical for me to visit the Gurgaon office in person to check on the status.

I am really hopeful that someone can assist me in resolving this issue so I can receive my PF.

Regards, Monica

In that case, you should request a transfer of your PF account if you are currently employed. This process should be relatively easy. If not, the first step would be to approach the HR department of your company or ask any of your friends or relatives to contact the relevant person.

Alternatively, you can consider meeting with the PF commissioner of that area. They should be able to assist you in retrieving your PF amount. 

Steps to Withdraw Your PF

Just fill out Form 19 and 10C, then have it approved by any gazetted officer before sending it directly to the regional PF office.

Dear Jeevarathnam and Akhil, Akhil, if I send the form directly to the regional PF office, do I need to send all the documents as well? The company asked me to send the following documents, and I sent the originals to them, leaving only with photocopies:

- PF Form
- Self-attested and Notary attested address proof
- Self-attested and Notary attested last 6 months bank statement
- Cancelled cheque with a signature
- Copy of PAN Card

Regards, Monica

No, you only need to send the self-attested photocopy of the bank passbook or the front page of the chequebook so that they can verify the bank details mentioned in the Form 19 & 10C. You also need to mention your contact number on the top right of both forms.

Ok, however, I do not have any bank account in Bangalore. All my accounts are in Dehradun. What should I do now? 

In my opinion, you have to submit an application along with a withdrawal form stating the issue you are facing difficulties in getting the employer's signature. It will be more effective. Take care of all receipts of PF.

With Regards,
Mahesh Kumar
Idea Cellular Ltd

Jeevarathnam P & Akhil are correct, and you may also contact RPFC, Gurgaon; he will sort out the same.

Regards,
Sumit