NEW DELHI: The central government has clarified that the condition of uploading the proof of old joint option on the online portal set up by EPFO is not mandatory for getting a higher pension.

The central government clarified this in response to a question by John Brittas MP.

The requirement under paragraph 26(6) of the EPF Scheme, 1952 to file proof of joint option from the commencement of service when the employer started paying a higher contribution proportionate to the actual salary was confusing. The higher share was paid by the institutions without giving the joint option or EPFO accepting it.

John Brittas had written a letter to the Union Ministry of Labour pointing out the impracticability of such provisions which were not mentioned in the Supreme Court verdict. The column for uploading proof of old joint option in the portal has not been omitted.

The online portal is asking for a number of documents not mentioned by the Supreme Court such as Aadhaar card linking, mobile number linked with Aadhaar, etc. The MP also pointed out that the EPFO has not taken a favourable stand on the demand to provide an opportunity to correct errors online.