Can We Process PF Forms for Employees Who Leave Without Notice? Seeking HR Insights

Query on Processing PF Forms for Employees Leaving Without Notice

Hi, I am Suman, working as an HR in a private company. I have a query: Suppose an employee leaves the organization without prior notice and after a month comes to submit their PF Form. Can the management accept and duly process it, or reject it, claiming that the employee has not been relieved properly? Will the management have the right to stop an individual's PF Form without signing, claiming they are not eligible to process it?

Regards,
Suman

Legal Handling of PF Forms

The management cannot legally hold back the PF form, as they have other options as well. However, you may discuss with the concerned employee to settle any outstanding amounts separately, without linking it with the PF settlement.

There is no provision to stop claiming PF for an individual. It is better to submit the individual's PF withdrawal forms. Even in the least case where management is not willing to sign the withdrawal forms, there are other options to claim PF funds.

I agree with Mr. Dixon & Mr. Jeevarathnam. I would like to share Section 72 of the Provident Fund Scheme, which is as follows: If the applicant is unable to send the claim application through the employer or have it duly attested by him, for any reason whatsoever, he may forward it to the Commissioner or any other officer authorized by him in this behalf. Wherever necessary, the Commissioner or any other officer authorized by him may forward such an application to the employer, and the employer shall be required to return it within five days of its receipt.

Going by the above section, even if employers don't process the form, employees can take advantage of Section 72.

Regards,
Suresh