Will the Minister of LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT be pleased to state:-

(a) the number of cases filed by the office of Employees Provident Fund Commissioner against the employees under various provisions of law during the year 2006-07, region-wise;

(b) the number of such cases pending in Courts as on 31st March, 2007, region-wise; and

(c) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to ensure prompt disposal of such cases in the country?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) OF THE MINISTRY OF

LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(SHRI OSCAR FERNANDES)

(a)    & (b): The number of cases sanctioned for prosecution by the Employees` Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) against its employees during 2006-07 and the number of such cases pending in Courts as on 31st March 2007 are 21 and 90, respectively, as per details given in the `Annexure`.

(c): Progress of the pending cases is regularly monitored by EPFO. Standing Counsels have been impressed upon to get expeditious disposal of the cases and prayers are made to Hon`ble Courts accordingly. However, the Courts dispose of the cases filed before it in accordance with the due procedure.

Annexure referred to in reply to part (a) & (b) of the Rajya Sabha unstarred Question No. 4541 for 16/05/2007.