EPFO To Hire Retired Officers Amid Staff Shortage

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a new policy for hiring retired officers and employees on a contractual basis to address existing vacancies and specialised work requirements. This move aims to mitigate staff shortages and ensure seamless operations within the organisation.

EPFO has acknowledged the difficulties arising from a lack of core competencies among current personnel. "To ensure that the organization’s work is not hindered by a shortage of staff or the absence of core competencies in specific areas, we have introduced provisions for hiring retired employees and officers," stated EPFO in its revised policy, as reported by ET.

The policy highlights the urgency for swift solutions, pointing out that traditional recruitment processes and hiring specialised consultants from the open market can be time-consuming. "Since the process of filling vacancies or hiring specialized consultants through the open market takes time, we will meet our requirements by hiring retired officers and employees on a contract basis," the policy noted.

According to media reports, the EPFO's executive committee approved this policy in October 2023. Under the new guidelines, initial appointments will be for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension. For individuals beyond the age of 62, the term may be extended up to a maximum of three additional years, subject to a review of the task and the appointee's performance.

EPFO has clarified that such appointments will be made only in justified exigencies of official work and not for routine day-to-day tasks if regular staff is available. "At the outset, such appointments shall not be made as a matter of practice and must be kept to a bare minimum," EPFO emphasised.