Some PF rules eased, others made stringent

The Union labour ministry's latest reforms to facilitate urgent cash withdrawals by employees from their provident-fund accounts have simultaneously imposed tighter procedures and longer wait times in certain cases, according to details ratified by a statutory body on Monday.

- Zia Haq

Experts appeared divided on the changes that merged 13 provisions, which allow formal-sector workers to make “partial withdrawals”. Although withdrawal rules have been eased and standardised, longer lock-in periods have been introduced for final settlements.

Longer wait times may exacerbate financial emergencies under certain situations, according to some analysts.

The reforms also introduced a new mandatory minimum balance of 25% of total available funds , which must be maintained until a person remains in employment.