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EPFO evaluates course of action on HC judgement on foreign workers

NT Correspondent

New Delhi/Bengaluru: Retirement fund body EPFO on Tuesday said that it is evaluating the course of action with regard to the judgement of Karnataka High Court holding the inclusion of foreign workers in the provident fund as 'unconstitutional'.

The Karnataka High Court has struck down the provisions of inclusion of international workers within the ambit of employees' provident fund and pension scheme saying that it is "unconstitutional and arbitrary".

"While holding the highest regard for the Court's decision, the EPFO (Employees' Provident Fund Organisation) is actively evaluating the course of action in response to this judgement," the EPFO said in response to the queries pertaining to the judgement.

The judgement pertains to the specific provisions for International Workers outlined in Paragraph 83 of the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 and Paragraph 43A of the Employees' Pension Scheme, 1995, which were deemed to be inconsistent with Article 14 of the Constitution, the EPFO noted.

Paragraph 83 of the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 relates to Special provisions in respect of international workers.

This clause provides that with effect from October 1, 2008, every international worker whose basic wages (basic pay and dearness allowance) is up to Rs 15,000 per month, shall be mandatorily covered under the scheme.

Article 14 of the Constitution of India provides that the state shall not deny to any person equality before the law or the equal protection of the laws within the territory of India, on grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth.

India presently has social security agreements with 21 countries. These agreements ensure continued social security coverage for employees from these nations on a mutually reciprocal basis.