EPFO Initiates Rs 1,200 crore PF recovery action against Sahara India

Lucknow: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) launched proceedings against Sahara India entities to recover more than Rs 1,200 crore in unpaid provident fund dues.EPFO’s Lucknow regional office on Monday stated, “Multiple recovery certificates were issued over the last few years for non-payment of statutory PF contributions and allied charges. These certificates were issued between April 2021 and April 2023 against various Sahara India establishments operating under the EPF Act.”The recovery details show four major claims, including one exceeding Rs 1,179 crore, while other amounts range from about Rs 31 lakh to over Rs 23 crore. Combined, the total outstanding stands at approximately Rs 1,204 crore.“Recovery action is being pursued under the EPF Act to protect the social security and retirement benefits of employees. Recovery officers have been asked to take coercive steps, including attachment and sale of movable or immovable properties of Sahara India in Lucknow,” said official sources.