EPFO RTI for missing PF balance — UAN shows zero

Yes — RTI is the right tool, and the question framing matters. File RTI to the Regional PF Commissioner (not central EPFO) covering the establishment code of your old employer.

Ask for: 1. Monthly ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return) filed by employer X for the period DD/MM/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY 2. Status of PF contributions credited against UAN [your UAN] 3. Whether any default/inspection notice has been issued to the establishment 4. Copy of last inspection report under §7A of EPF Act

Question #1 is the killer — if employer was filing zero / fake ECRs, that proves non-deposit. Take that to the labour court.

Template: https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-for-pf-balance-epfo What-to-do-if-employer-cheated guide: https://righttoinformation.wiki/pf-fraud-recovery-india

Chapter 12 of The RTI Playbook covers wage + PF disputes end-to-end.

Important — file the RTI under your own UAN even though it's about the establishment, because §11 of EPF Act gives you locus. PIOs sometimes try to refuse citing 'third-party info'. Pre-empt that in the application itself.

Had exactly this situation — old employer in Bangalore. RTI revealed they had deducted ₹38,000 from salary but deposited only ₹2,400. EPFO opened §7A enquiry within 60 days of my First Appeal. Got everything back with damages.

Yes — RTI is the right tool, and the question framing matters. File RTI to the Regional PF Commissioner (not central EPFO) covering the establishment code of your old employer.

Ask for: 1. Monthly ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return) filed by employer X for the period DD/MM/YYYY to DD/MM/YYYY 2. Status of PF contributions credited against UAN [your UAN] 3. Whether any default/inspection notice has been issued to the establishment 4. Copy of last inspection report under §7A of EPF Act

Question #1 is the killer — if employer was filing zero / fake ECRs, that proves non-deposit. Take that to the labour court.

Template: https://righttoinformation.wiki/rti-for-pf-balance-epfo What-to-do-if-employer-cheated guide: https://righttoinformation.wiki/pf-fraud-recovery-india

Chapter 12 of The RTI Playbook covers wage + PF disputes end-to-end.

Important — file the RTI under your own UAN even though it's about the establishment, because §11 of EPF Act gives you locus. PIOs sometimes try to refuse citing 'third-party info'. Pre-empt that in the application itself.

Had exactly this situation — old employer in Bangalore. RTI revealed they had deducted ₹38,000 from salary but deposited only ₹2,400. EPFO opened §7A enquiry within 60 days of my First Appeal. Got everything back with damages.