Stuck in a Dispute: How Can We Help a Senior Citizen Resolve Their EPF Issue in Chennai?

We have an issue with the EPF office unable to reach a reconciliation because of being at loggerheads with another educational institution. Neither of the parties is cooperating to reach a consensus, and as a result, a senior citizen is being harassed. Would like to know if there is a reliable, credible, and trustworthy advocate who can help tide over the situation. Location: Chennai.

If you could describe the matter, we may try to find some solutions. Isn't it right that only after that you approach legally against the EPFO? For EPFO, a notice from an advocate costs nothing because they are used to it with a number of such notices. However, for the members and even for establishments, it may not be like that.

You are absolutely right. Here is the narration of incidents (anonymized for the protection of the member).

Incident 1: Senior Citizens' Accounts

1) Two accounts of senior citizens were involved. One account was never credited, but after persistent escalations, the institution finally credited it. Even after that, the EPF office harassed us by not generating the number or UAN. After four years of effort, we finally received the UAN/EPF number.

Incident 2: EPF Claim/Pension Transfer

2) To secure the EPF claim/pension, the second account was advised to be transferred to the first. However, the second account does not have updated details from the institution. The institution is refusing to cooperate. Initially, the EPF office suggested submitting a Joint Declaration form with bank endorsement if the organization was not complying or cooperating. Now, they insist that the organization update the details first.

Not sure if any of the parties are looking for some gratification to get things moving.

No, there is no issue of any illegal gratification, but only some minor mismatches. Is the institution active? If yes, what is the problem? I don't understand. There is a link on the EPFO website through which a member can post any of their grievances. If the institution (the employer where the member/employee had worked) is not approving the transfer request, then you can file a complaint. I am sure that you will get a response from the EPFO. You can proceed legally if you don't get a reply from the grievance redressal team.