“Keeping in view the low base penetration EPFOAdministrative Region of the North East Region of the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura, Time for mandatory linking of Aadhaar in Universal Account Number (UAN) for filing of Electronic Challan cum Return (ECR) has been extended up to 31.12.2021,” it said in a notification dated September 11.
“Keeping in view the concentration of establishments in remote areas and areas affected by militancy, frequent change of work places of workers and other attendant constraints in classrooms of establishments, The time for mandatory linking of Aadhaar in UAN is extended till 31.12. .2021,” it further said.
Establishments that have been expanded include beedi making, building and construction and plantation industries including tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, jute, rubber, cinchona and cashew.
As per the notification, delay in filing of ECR for the pay months of August, 2021 and September, 2021 in respect of EPF members only in respect of EPF members due to non-seeding of Aadhaar in UAN shall not be treated as default of employer for imposition of penal damages. Will go Section 14B of the EPF and MP Act, 1952. This will be applicable in sectors other than the above and in the class of industries or establishments.
Further, it has directed the Zonal Offices to ensure that the Regional Offices and District Offices coordinate with UIDAI and organize camps for Aadhaar Enrollment and Aadhaar seeding in UAN for correction in Aadhaar data of EPF members. Provide and monitor progress on a weekly basis.
As per the data, overall about 94% of the contributing EPF members have Aadhar seeding in their UAN except in the above sectors and industries.