My employer in Kohima has not deposited provident fund for the last 8 months, how do I complain?

Detailed Legal Analysis

If your employer in Kohima has not deposited your provident fund for the last eight months, you can file a complaint with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Here are the steps you should follow to lodge your complaint:

• Gather Documentation: Collect all relevant documents, including your payslips, account statements, and any communication with your employer regarding provident fund contributions.
• Check EPF Account: Verify your EPF account to see if any contributions have been made during the last eight months. You can check this through the EPFO member portal.
• Contact Employer: Before filing a formal complaint, try to resolve the issue by discussing it with your employer or the HR department. Document this communication for your records.
• File a Complaint with EPFO: If your employer does not respond or rectify the issue, you can file a complaint with the EPFO. You can do this online through the EPFO website or by visiting the nearest EPFO office in Kohima.
• Online Complaint Filing:
  • Visit the EPFO official website: www.epfindia.gov.in.
  • Navigate to the ‘Grievance’ section and select ‘Lodge Grievance’.
  • Fill out the online form with details of your complaint, including your EPF account number, employer details, and the nature of the complaint.
  • Submit the form and keep a copy of the acknowledgment for your records.
• Follow-up: After lodging your complaint, you can track its status online using the reference number provided by the EPFO.
• Legal Action: If the issue persists and is not resolved by the EPFO, you may consider seeking legal recourse under the Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952, specifically sections related to non-compliance (Section 14B and Section 7A).

It is important to be persistent and follow up regularly with the EPFO. Additionally, you may also consider approaching the Labour Commissioner in Kohima if the problem remains unresolved.