There is no provision for conversion of disablement pension. Benefits can not be allowed beyond Rules

There is no provision for conversion of disablement pension. Pension Schemes benefits can not be allowed beyond Rules by taking a so called “lenient and liberal view.

National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission, New Delhi has allowed an important Revision Petition filed by the Provident Fund Office, Kannur against the order passed by the Consumer District Forum, Kannur as well as State Commission, Thiruvananthapuram.

The complainant was an employee of a cooperative society and was a member of EPF having more than 20 years of service. The Society discontinued his services on medical grounds. Thereafter the complainant filed an application for provident fund benefits and for disablement pension which was rejected by the said Cooperative Society.

The District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, Kannur allowed the compliant and directed the Cooperative Society to reconsider the matter and give disablement pension to the complianant.

The State Commission also confirmed the order of the District Forum.

The National Commission has allowed the revision Petition filed by the PF Office with the observation that there is no provision for conversion of disablement pension under Rule 15 to avail of reduced pensionunder Rule 12.The EPF Scheme 1995 and all other pension Schemes are to benefit the employees, however these benefits can not be claimed and allowed beyond the Rules in violation of the said Rules by taking a so called “lenient and liberal view.”