How Should We Handle PF Contributions for an Employee on Extended Medical Leave?

Dear Seniors, good morning. Seeking advice from you. We have an employee who has been on leave for more than a month due to a medical emergency. During this period, we requested him to submit a request letter for medical leave along with a doctor's certificate. However, according to the doctor's certificate, he is not fit to attend duty or even travel. His department is now facing a workload that he used to handle. After discussions with management, we have advised him to rest and inform us if he plans to return anytime in the future, at least 15 days before. We are not asking him to leave the job, and during this period, he will be on unpaid leave. Therefore, I am slightly confused about whether we need to pay his PF during this time.

Looking forward to your valuable feedback.

Thanks.

Clarification on PF Payment During Unpaid Leave

No need to pay him PF. As per my understanding, your employee is on leave without pay but not on medical leave. If an employee is on medical leave, then only he is eligible for PF and salary-related matters.

Hope it helps.

As per my understanding, he is on leave—whether it is medical leave or leave without pay. If he is on your payroll, he is not separated from the company and responsibilities, so from the employer's side, contributions should be paid.

I am not aware of legal compliance; let's consider others' views.

If the employee is receiving a salary from the company for the medical leave during the sick period, then you have to contribute to PF and ESIC, if applicable. If the employee is not receiving any salary, then the contribution to PF does not arise at all. I hope this provides clarity.

Regards,
Avinash K.