<span style="color: #222222;">Ministry of Labour and Employment has amended the EPF Scheme 1952 and issued a notification in this regard. It allows withdrawal of non-refundable advance by EPF members in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic in the country. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The notification permits withdrawal not exceeding the basic wages and dearness allowance for three months or upto 75 per cent of the amount standing to member's credit in the EPF account in the event of outbreak of epidemic or pandemic.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">COVID-19 has been declared pandemic by appropriate authorities for the entire country and therefore employees working in establishments and factories across entire India, who are members of the EPF Scheme, 1952 are eligible for the benefits of non-refundable advance. A sub-para(3) under para 68L has been ed in the EPF scheme,1952. The amended scheme Employees Provident Fund (Amendment) scheme, 2020 has come into force from 28th March, 2020.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Following the notification, EPFO has issued directions to its field offices for promptly processing any applications received from EPF members to help them fight the situation. In its communication EPFO has stated that officers and staff must process claims of EPF subscribers promptly so that relief reaches the worker and his family to help them fight with COVID-19.</span><br />''