Test: Social Security - CLAT PG MCQ

The EPFO is tasked with overseeing crucial social security schemes such as the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme of 1952, the Pension Scheme of 1995, and the Insurance Scheme of 1976. This organization plays a vital role in providing financial security to workers in the organized sector, ensuring they have access to retirement funds, pensions, and insurance benefits.

Upon the death of a woman entitled to maternity benefits, the benefits are payable to her legal representatives. This ensures that her rights and entitlements are honored and that any due benefits are transferred in accordance with the law.

A woman is entitled to receive a medical bonus of one thousand rupees if her employer does not provide prenatal, confinement, and postnatal care free of charge. This provision serves to ensure that women have access to necessary medical support during and after pregnancy.

Women who return to work after childbirth are entitled to two additional nursing breaks beyond their regular rest intervals until their child reaches the age of 15 months. This provision supports breastfeeding and helps mothers maintain the health and well-being of their infants while balancing work responsibilities.

The term "child" under the Maternity Benefit Act includes stillborn children. This definition acknowledges the emotional and physical impact of stillbirth on a mother, ensuring that maternity benefits are inclusive of all childbirth experiences.

A 'Contribution' refers specifically to the payments made in respect to a member under the EPF or insurance schemes. This definition underscores the importance of regular contributions in maintaining the financial health of the provident fund and ensuring benefits for employees.

A woman with two or more surviving children is entitled to a maximum of 12 weeks of maternity benefits, with no more than 6 weeks preceding the expected date of delivery. This provision aims to support mothers during critical periods of childbirth while recognizing the challenges associated with having multiple children.

Both the employer and employee contribute 12% of the employee's basic salary to the EPF. This equal contribution system helps to build a substantial retirement fund for employees, ensuring they have financial security upon retirement or in case of emergencies.

In response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the government temporarily reduced both employer and employee contributions to the EPF from 12% to 10%. This measure aimed to provide financial relief to both employees and employers, highlighting the government's role in supporting the economy during crises.

The Maternity Benefit Act does not apply to mines, factories, circuses, and shops with fewer than 10 employees. This exclusion is significant as it aims to focus protections on larger establishments that are better equipped to support maternity benefits.

Section 193 of the IPC addresses the issue of intentionally giving false evidence or fabricating false evidence in judicial proceedings. The punishment can be severe, including imprisonment for up to seven years, emphasizing the legal system's commitment to truth and integrity in judicial matters.

Employees earning above the threshold of ₹15,000 can join the EPF if they obtain permission from the Assistant PF Commissioner, provided both the employee and employer agree to this arrangement. This flexibility allows for broader coverage of employees under the EPF scheme.

Fabricating evidence is a serious offense under Section 196 of the IPC, punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years. This provision is designed to maintain the integrity of the judicial process and deter individuals from compromising the truth.

If one of the parties does not attend the inquiry, the court may decide the matter in favor of the ex parte party. This rule ensures that the process is efficient and that decisions can still be made even if one party is unavailable, highlighting the importance of participation in legal proceedings.

If either party is dissatisfied with the decision made by the authorized officer, they have the option to file a review application within 45 days. If the review is not satisfactory, they can escalate the matter to the Appellate Tribunal, ensuring that there are avenues for redress and fair hearings.

A woman who undergoes a tubectomy operation is entitled to leave with wages for two weeks immediately following the procedure. This entitlement acknowledges the recovery time needed after such a surgical operation and supports women's health rights.

Women who legally adopt a child below the age of three months are entitled to maternity benefits for a duration of 12 weeks from the date the child is handed over to them. This provision ensures that adoptive mothers receive similar support as biological mothers, recognizing the importance of bonding and care in the early stages of a child's life.

The Central Government is recognized as the appropriate authority for the circus industry under the Maternity Benefit Act. This designation ensures that regulations are consistently applied to this unique sector, which often faces different operational challenges compared to traditional industries.

A woman must provide written notice to her employer no earlier than six weeks before her expected delivery date. This notice allows employers to prepare for her absence and ensures that the woman can take the necessary time off for her maternity leave.

The industrial tribunal, which is set up by the Central Government, is responsible for adjudicating disputes and issues that arise under the EPF Act. This specialized tribunal helps to ensure that matters are handled efficiently and by those who are well-versed in labor laws.