Introduction
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is grappling with vacancies in various cadres. To address these gaps and tackle specialized issues that the current personnel may not be equipped to handle, EPFO has established a policy for hiring retired officers and employees on a contract basis. This approach ensures that the organization’s operations are not disrupted due to personnel shortages or a lack of core competencies in specific areas.
Identification of Functions and Tasks
Justified Exigencies
Appointments of retired employees should only occur in justified exigencies where public interest is served. These appointments are meant to address critical work that cannot be delayed.
Routine Work Exclusion
Routine day-to-day tasks should not be assigned to retired personnel if regular staff is available. The focus is on specialized tasks that require the expertise of retired officers.
Senior Staff Exclusion
Retired employees should not be hired as personal staff for senior officers or ministers if the tasks can be performed by current employees.
Minimizing Appointments
Such appointments should be minimal and not become a standard practice. Adequate functional necessity and clear grounds must be presented to the Competent Authority.
Identification of Number and Grade of Retired Officers or Employees
Grade and Cadre Matching
The grade or cadre of the retired personnel should match the level of work proposed. This ensures that the expertise aligns with the requirements.
Clear Specification
The level and requirements for the retired personnel must be clearly specified in the job advertisement to attract suitable candidates.
General Eligibility Criteria
Retired Government Servants
The candidates should be retired government servants, preferably from the same post or cadre against which the hiring is being done. This includes retirees from EPFO.
APAR Consideration
The Annual Performance Appraisal Report (APAR) for the last five years should be considered to ensure the competency of the candidate.
Exclusion of Penalized Officers
Officers or employees who have been issued charge sheets or had penalties imposed in the last five years should not be considered for hiring.
Terms and Conditions of Appointment
Tenure of Appointment
- Initial Period: The initial tenure should not exceed one year, with a possible extension of another year.
- Beyond Superannuation: Extensions beyond two years after superannuation, up to a maximum of five years (i.e., beyond 65 years of age), require adequate justification and performance review.
Remuneration
- Fixed Monthly Amount: The remuneration will be a fixed amount, calculated by deducting the basic pension from the last drawn pay.
- No Increments: The remuneration remains unchanged throughout the contract period, with no annual increments.
House Rent Allowance
No House Rent Allowance (HRA) will be provided to the contracted employees.
Transport Allowance
- Fixed Amount: A fixed amount for commuting between residence and workplace will be provided, based on the rate applicable at the time of retirement.
- TA/DA on Official Tours: Transport Allowance (TA/DA) will be admissible on official tours as per the entitlement at the time of retirement.
Leave of Absence
Paid leave of 1.5 days per month of service will be allowed. Accumulation of leave beyond a calendar year is not permitted.
Method for Selection and Shortlisting
Open Advertisement
Engagement will generally be done through open advertisement, inviting applications from eligible retired personnel, including those from EPFO.
Specific Appointments
For specific purposes requiring unique skills, the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC) may appoint retired personnel without following the general procedure, provided the reasons are recorded in writing.
Competent Authority for Hiring and Screening Committee Composition
Group ‘A’ & ‘B’ Vacancies
- Approval by CPFC: Engagements for these groups will be approved by the CPFC.
- Screening Committee: A committee constituted by the CPFC will screen the candidates.
Group ‘C’ Vacancies
- Authorization: Additional Central PF Commissioner (HQ) (HR) or (Zone) will authorize the hiring after due procedure.
- Zonal Screening Committee: At the zonal level, a screening committee constituted by the Additional Central Commissioner (HQ) (Zone) will oversee the process.
General Guidelines and Provisions
Financial Justification
Proper justification for hiring should be made in consultation with the finance department to avoid unnecessary expenditure.
Inclusion of Engineers
The policy also applies to the engagement of engineers, classified under Group ‘A’ or ‘B’ employees.
Confidentiality Agreement
Hired officers or employees must sign a confidentiality agreement with the Government of India, including clauses on ethics and integrity.
No Retrospective Effect
Past cases where the term has already expired will not be reopened under this policy.
Adherence to Government Guidelines
For provisions not covered in this policy, directions from the Government of India will be followed as amended from time to time.
Resolving Doubts
Any doubts regarding the policy provisions will be referred to the CPFC for final decision-making.
By following these structured guidelines, EPFO aims to effectively manage personnel shortages and ensure the continuity of specialized tasks by leveraging the expertise of retired government officers and employees.
