More than 61 lakh jobs in tourism and hospitality sector by 2034, medical tourism will play a major role in it

Higher Pension: In compliance with the Supreme Court's order of 4th November 2022, this facility was introduced on 26th February 2023 for eligible pensioners or members. It was to be made available by 3 May 2023.

EPFO Update: Retirement fund body EPFO has extended the deadline for employers to upload salary related information etc. till January 31, 2025. This time limit is for 3.1 lakh applications which are pending for pension on higher salary. "The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has provided an online facility for submission of application for verification of combined options for pension against higher salary," the labour ministry said in a statement.

As on 11th July 2023, 17.49 lakh applications received from pensioners

In compliance with the Supreme Court's order dated 4th November 2022, this facility was introduced on 26th February 2023 for eligible pensioners or members. It was to be made available by 3 May 2023. However, considering the representations of the employees, eligible pensioners/pensioners are not allowed to pay their respects. The deadline has been extended to 26 June 2023 to give four months time to the member to file the application. They were also given 15 days extra time to overcome any difficulty. This led to the last date for submission of applications to 11th July 2023 and till this date, 17.49 lakh applications were received from pensioners.

More than 3.1 lakh applications still pending with the employer

However, even after this, the deadline for online submission of salary details etc. has been extended by the employer and employer associations till 30 September 2023, Then extended to 31 December 2023 and then to 31 May 2024. Despite such a long time extension, it has been observed that more than 3.1 lakh applications for verification of combined options are still pending with the employers.

"Therefore, employers are now being given a 'last chance' till January 31, 2025 to clear these pending applications and upload them expeditiously," the ministry said. The employers were also requested to submit replies and update the information in over 4.66 lakh cases by 15th January 2025. Where the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has sought additional information about the application received and examined by it.