KCCI and EPFO Hold Stakeholders’ Meeting on EPFO Reforms and New Schemes
Mangaluru: The Kanara Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Mangaluru, in association with the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Regional Office, Mangaluru, organised a stakeholders’ meeting on “EPFO Reforms and New Schemes” at the KCCI Meeting Hall, Bunder, on October 28.
Welcoming the gathering, KCCI President Divakar Pai Kochikar said the new provisions relating to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF), Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS) and Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance (EDLI) under the Code on Social Security, which came into force on June 29, marked a significant change for employers, replacing rules dating back to 1952.
He said members had several queries regarding withdrawals, claim settlements, and employer obligations. The meeting provided an opportunity to seek clarification directly from senior EPFO officials. He urged employers to take advantage of the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2026 before its scheduled closure on October 31.
He added that the KCCI Labour Sub-committee, headed by Mahabala Alva, would document the concerns raised by members and take them up with the EPFO Regional Office. He thanked the EPFO officials and the event sponsors — Bharath Group, Cargolinks, Karnataka Bank and Kalbavi Consumer Foods.
Mahabala Alva, Chairman of the KCCI Labour Sub-committee, thanked the EPFO for organising the awareness programme. He said such initiatives help employers and their representatives understand the latest regulations, address statutory compliance challenges and strengthen employees’ social security.
Sandeep Biswas, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner, Mangaluru, spoke about various EPFO initiatives, including the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PM-VBRY), the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2026 (EEC 2026) and the Vishwas Scheme.
He also highlighted the facility for obtaining a Digital Life Certificate through India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). Under this initiative, postal personnel visit pensioners’ residences to capture their biometrics and generate Digital Life Certificates online. The service is provided free of cost to pensioners, with the expenses borne by the EPFO.
U. Panduranga Kini, Accounts Officer at the EPFO Regional Office, Mangaluru, introduced the chief guest, Jay Kumar, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner, Karnataka and Goa Zone.
Addressing the gathering of EPFO stakeholders, including industrialists, human resource professionals and consultants, Jay Kumar explained the ongoing reforms and recent changes relating to EPF withdrawals. He also appreciated KCCI for preserving Mangaluru’s rich trade and commercial heritage through the Trade Gallery at the Chamber, which highlights the city’s historical commercial links with various parts of the country.
He said EPFO reforms were aimed at making services more accessible and member-friendly. He added that changes were undertaken in consultation with industry bodies and organisations representing employers and employees on the Central Board of Trustees of the EPF.
Kumar encouraged participants to approach authorised officials and make use of the Nidhi Aapke Nikat (NAN) programme, conducted by regional and district PF offices on the 27th of every month at individual establishments or clusters of establishments. The programme provides a platform to seek clarifications and resolve grievances.
He also advised members to register complaints and grievances relating to EPFO services through the official grievance portal, www.epfigms.gov.in.
Interacting with participants, he encouraged employers to coordinate with the EPFO under the Prayas Scheme to ensure that eligible employees receive their Pension Payment Orders (PPOs) on the day of retirement.
Ankit Singh, Assistant Provident Fund Commissioner at the EPFO Regional Office, Mangaluru, delivered a detailed presentation on changes to the EPF, EDLI and EPS schemes following the implementation of the Code on Social Security. He also explained the increase in the wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000.
Anitha, Sandeep B.C. and Susheela A., Enforcement Officers, along with other officials from the EPFO Regional Office, Mangaluru, were present.
The programme was attended by business owners, HR professionals, finance heads and consultants.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Jeethan Allen Sequeira, Honorary Secretary of KCCI.
