On February 14, 2025, the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) issued an important notification regarding the grant of the Modified Assured Career Progression Scheme (MACP) to Social Security Assistants (SSAs) in the EPFO, following a recent judgment.
Key Points of the Notification:
Withdrawal of Previous Circular:
- The EPFO has officially withdrawn a previous circular (HRM-IV/B0(1)2013/SSA/P1/15378 dated 05.11.2015), which stated that the placement from Level-4 (GP 2400) to Level-5 (GP 2800) would be counted as one MACP.
- The new direction clarifies that such placement will not be considered as one MACP for the purpose of granting any MACP benefits.
MACP Benefit Guidelines:
- The upgradation from Level-5 (GP 2800) to Level-6 (GP 4200) will be counted as one MACP.
- This decision aligns with the MACP Guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT).
Undertaking from Beneficiaries:
- Controlling officers are directed to ensure that beneficiaries (Social Security Assistants) provide an undertaking. The undertaking should confirm that the upgradation from Level-5 to Level-6 will be regarded as a single financial upgradation under the MACPS.
Judgment Implementation:
- This notification follows the Common Judgment dated 31.08.2023 by the Hon’ble Madras High Court in WP Nos. 5981, 7675-77 of 2018 and related WMP Nos. 7362 of 2018, 9579-81 of 2018, concerning the grant of MACP to Social Security Assistants.
Impact of the Notification:
- The withdrawal of the earlier circular and the clarification regarding the upgradation process will ensure that Social Security Assistants in EPFO receive financial upgradation as per the revised guidelines.
- The upgradation from Level-5 to Level-6 will now be treated as one financial upgradation under the MACP Scheme, benefiting eligible employees with the correct entitlement.
Conclusion:
This development represents a significant step towards implementing the Madras High Court’s judgment and ensuring that Social Security Assistants in EPFO are granted fair and correct MACP benefits. All controlling officers are now required to ensure compliance with the new guidelines and take necessary action to secure the upgradation benefits for eligible employees.
