Scheme Certificate -- Optional Or Compulsory?

Hi Amit n others,
Good M'ng..
In my organisation, my colleague prefers to withdraw PF-he has served 17 years in our orgn. He is 55 years in age. Now he wants to invest on some property, hence withdrawing pf by putting papers to his role.
he has submitted form 10C but the PF authorities are asking him to submit the form 10D stating that he has not opted for the scheme certificate...as he has attained the age of 55 years ..advised to submit F-10D with the joint photos with spouse duly attested by the employer.
Scheme certificate option will be of immediate benefit to him or is of a long-term benefit..
Now my colleague is confused whether to opt for scheme certificate or not as there is a term of reduced pension also... Pls elaborate the terms scheme certificate, reduced pension n what shld the person opt for as he seeks immediate benefit.

Dear Sumana,
From your details, I came to understand that
1. You have 17 years service in PF
2. You have submitted Form 10-C for withdrawal benefit from Pension Scheme.
As your collegue has a service of above 9 years and 6 months, he is not eligible for withdrawal benefit. He may either apply for reduced pension in Form 10-D or Scheme Certificate in Form 10-C.
In scheme certificate your full details for pension will be recorded. With these details it will be easy to avail the pension as per your requirement. Also it can be used to add later service till the completion of an age of 58 years to get an increased pension.
Abbas.P.S