Retirement fund body EPFO has asked its over 120 field offices to settle claims, including PF withdrawal and pension, within 20 days as against the mandated 30-day time frame.

Central Provident Fund Commissioner K K Jalan noted that there are complaints that claims received in EPFO offices are not entered in the system immediately and no acknowledgement is being issued to the claimant. The deficient claims are being returned without even being entered into the system.

Jalan stated that the return or rejection of claims and reasons thereof should be watched and the establishment should be counselled and advised to submit duly complete claims.

It was also stated that the offices who are settling all claims within 10 days shall be graded as excellent.