General Provident Fund

Introduction

The General Provident Fund (GPF) is a government savings scheme exclusively available for government employees in India. Employees contribute a portion of their salary regularly, allowing it to accumulate over time and be paid out upon retirement. This scheme ensures financial security post-retirement and helps in long-term savings.

Eligibility for GPF

As per GPF rules, the following individuals are eligible to subscribe:

• All temporary government employees who have completed one year of continuous service.
• All re-employed pensioners, except those eligible for the Contributory Provident Fund (CPF).
• All permanent government employees.

Key Features of GPF

• Managed by: The Department of Pension and Pensioners’ Welfare under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions.
• Mandatory Contribution: A government employee can subscribe to GPF by contributing a percentage of their salary as per the official guidelines.
• Current Interest Rate: The GPF interest rate is 7.1%, revised periodically as per government notifications.
• Mandatory Subscription: Employees must contribute to GPF every month, except during periods of suspension.
• Superannuation Clause: Contributions to GPF are stopped three months before retirement.
• Nomination Requirement: At the time of enrollment, employees must nominate a family member who will receive the fund balance in case of the employee’s demise.
• Automatic Final Payment: Upon retirement, the system automatically pays the final GPF balance without requiring a withdrawal application.
• Additional Death Benefit: In case an employee dies, the employer pays an additional amount equal to the average balance in the account for the last three years, up to a maximum of Rs. 60,000. However, the employee must have served for at least five years to avail of this benefit.

You may also want to know Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan

How to Open a GPF Account?

Opening a GPF account is a simple process:

1. The Accountant General (AG) Office of the respective state or the Central Government manages the GPF account for central government employees.
2. Employees must submit an application form to the AG Office of their state.
3. Upon approval, an account number is assigned.
4. The monthly deduction amount is specified and deducted directly from the employee’s salary.
5. At the end of each financial year, the employee receives a statement of credits, debits, and interest earned.

GPF Contribution Amount

• The minimum contribution is 6% of the total salary.
• The maximum contribution can be 100% of the salary.

GPF Advances

It allows refundable advances under specific conditions, including:

• Education Expenses
• Medical emergencies
• Marriage expenses
• House construction or repairs
• Consumer durables purchase

Key Points:

• Employees can withdraw up to 12 months’ salary or three-fourths of the GPF balance, whichever is lower.
• In special circumstances, up to 90% withdrawal is permitted.
• No interest is charged on GPF advances.
• Employees can apply for multiple advances during their tenure.
• The sanctioning authority must approve and credit the requested advance within 15 days.
• If an employee takes a second advance before repaying the first, the remaining balance is added to the new advance, and installments are refixed.

Maturity and Withdrawal Process

• The GPF matures upon retirement/superannuation.
• Employees can withdraw funds after completing 10 years of service or within 10 years of retirement, whichever is earlier.
• If an employee resigns or quits, they can withdraw the entire balance irrespective of their tenure.
• In case of death, the full balance is transferred to the nominee.

Conclusion

The General Provident Fund (GPF) is a crucial retirement savings tool for government employees. It ensures financial security by allowing systematic savings throughout their employment. With flexible advances, tax-free interest, and a guaranteed payout, GPF is an essential financial planning tool for government employees.