Over 22,400 companies defaulted Rs 34.9 billion EPF payments

Some 22,450 institutions have failed to pay EPF to its employees since 2015 to date, it was disclosed in Parliament.

 

These details which were tabled by the Minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development in response to an oral question raised by MP Nalin Bandara Jayamaha revealed that these institutions had defaulted a total of Rs 34, 989,162, 957,81 ( Rs 34.9 billion) during the period by refraining from paying EPF to their employees.

 

The usual procedure followed in dealing with the institutions which refrain from paying EPF begins from an initial inquiry carried out by labour office officials in the given areas. These investigations are carried out following the receipt of complaints. An initial request is made to the employers to settle the outstanding payments together with the surcharge. This is followed by the final request.

 

Cases are filed in magistrate courts if they fail to make the payments. However there are instances where the institutions agree to make payments on a one year payment plan.

 

As per the The Labour Department they have branch offices in 11 districts.