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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Jul 29, 2025

Ramalingam Kalirajan has over 23 years of experience in mutual funds and financial planning.
He has an MBA in finance from the University of Madras and is a certified financial planner.
He is the director and chief financial planner at Holistic Investment, a Chennai-based firm that offers financial planning and wealth management advice.... more
Kul Question by Kul on Jul 13, 2025Hindi
Money

I have two PF account nos. under in a single UAN. I retired from the 1st origination in the month of sept 2020 after attains the age of 58 years and join 2nd origination in May 2022 (as per PF department records) and continue till now. The EPFO department Stop to credit my interest in the Ist account w.e.f. sept 2023 (Aprox) and continue to provide interest in 2nd account till now. I visited earlier several times in connection with higher pension from the beginning from June 2023 the date of application submitted for higher pension. As the amount to be taken from my account /deposited by me with interest for higher pension settlement as required by department. On enquiring at that time during my visit, the dealing official of the department informed me that the amount after demand with interest will be taken from my Ist account only as the case of higher pension pertain to ist origination and not for 2nd one. In view of this I have not transfer / withdraw the amount from Ist account. Finally on several visit and request I have been issued demand notice dated 28-04-2025 to deposit by 30-04-2025 Rs. 1157109 or by 31.05.2025 Rs. 1164916 or by 30.06.2025 Rs. 1172721 with a joint request Form. All the required forms with employer authenticity deposited well with in time. The amount required for higher pension still as of today 13-07-2025not debited or transfer from my account. It is to inform here that there is a balance as of today with interest as on sept.2023 is Rs.9366305/- (INTEREST LOSS OF Rs. 14.16 LAC APROX TILL NOW.) IN VIEW OF THE ABOVE FACTS--- Please advise me what should I do and also confirm the rules for the same to square up the matter with department. Kul Bhushan Rana

Ans: – You have shared your situation clearly and patiently.
– You are taking efforts for your rightful higher pension.
– That shows financial awareness and future planning.
– You have stayed consistent with EPFO visits and followed their process.
– That discipline is truly worth appreciating.

? Understanding the Two PF Accounts Under One UAN
– You retired from the first organisation in Sept 2020 after turning 58.
– You joined the second organisation in May 2022.
– Both PF accounts are under one UAN, which is valid.

– Interest stopped on the first account from Sept 2023.
– This is common when PF becomes inoperative.
– As per EPFO rules, interest stops after 3 years of no contributions.

– You were told your higher pension dues will be debited from the first account.
– That is correct, since higher pension application is linked to first service.

? Why Interest Stopped in the First PF Account
– As per current EPFO rules, interest is credited only when account is active.
– If no fresh contributions after 36 months, account becomes inoperative.
– That is why interest was not credited after Sept 2023.

– Even though you did not withdraw, account is inactive.
– Hence, interest loss of Rs. 14.16 lakh happened.
– This situation could have been avoided with timely fund transfer.

– But since EPFO informed you not to transfer or withdraw, you followed guidance.
– So the delay is not from your side, but from the department's delay in debit.

? Higher Pension Demand Notice and Delay in Debit
– You received demand notice on 28-04-2025.
– You were given amount and deadline options till 30-06-2025.

– You submitted joint request form and employer authentication within deadline.
– That shows you followed all instructions sincerely.

– But as of 13-07-2025, amount still not debited from first PF account.
– That delay has caused further interest loss to you.

– This is where department processing failure has caused financial damage.
– You have a valid reason to request interest restoration.

? What You Can Do Now: Step-by-Step
– Please write a formal letter to your EPFO Regional Commissioner.
– Mention full details of your UAN, both PF numbers and service periods.
– Explain clearly the timeline of your application, visits, submissions.

– Attach copy of demand notice and receipt of form submission.
– Highlight clearly that department advised to not withdraw or transfer first PF.
– So you kept funds there only for higher pension settlement.

– Mention the delay from EPFO side in debiting your dues.
– Due to that, you suffered Rs. 14.16 lakh interest loss.

– Request them to process debit immediately and update pension calculation.
– Also request interest restoration or compensation due to their delay.

– Keep copy of letter and get acknowledgement from EPFO office.
– Also send same via registered post or speed post to maintain proof.

? Other Follow-Ups to Take in Parallel
– File a grievance on EPFO official portal under "Higher Pension - Settlement".
– Explain same points in simple words with date-wise entries.
– Upload supporting documents like demand notice and bank proof.

– After 15 days, file RTI to EPFO to ask for action status.
– Ask why debit not done and interest not compensated.
– Ask for name and designation of person responsible for delay.

– This puts legal pressure and speeds up department response.

? Higher Pension and Interest – Rules and Reality
– EPFO higher pension scheme is based on Supreme Court ruling.
– Eligible employees can shift from EPS wage limit to full salary for pension.

– Employees retiring after Sept 2014 with joint option and contribution are eligible.
– Pension is based on last drawn salary and service duration.

– When applying for higher pension, EPFO allows employee to pay shortfall.
– This can be done through PF account or external payment.

– In your case, PF balance was enough to cover demand.
– But EPFO delay has caused interest loss.
– Rule does not allow interest on inoperative PF after 3 years.

– But if delay is due to department error, you have right to raise claim.

? You Can Also Approach EPFO Zonal Office
– If local office does not act, escalate to Zonal EPFO office.
– Carry all documents and submit grievance with written letter.
– Politely explain financial loss and request immediate resolution.

– Zonal office has more power and senior officials.
– Their intervention often helps speed up things.

? Legal Option as Final Step (Only if Needed)
– If still no response after all efforts, send legal notice.
– A notice from your advocate can mention service record, forms, interest loss.

– It should demand debit of funds and compensation for interest.
– This step may push EPFO to close the matter without going to court.

– But legal option should be last resort, after exhausting all department levels.

? Tips to Prevent Future PF Related Losses
– Always take written record of any advice given by EPFO staff.
– Do not depend on verbal instructions alone.

– Always follow up in writing when EPFO gives timeline.
– Keep copies of every form, acknowledgement, screenshot.

– Transfer old PF to active account after retirement if no advice from EPFO.
– Keep account active to continue earning interest.

– Maintain full file of pension-related papers for future needs.

? Finally
– You have shown great patience and effort in following the pension process.
– You have every right to get higher pension and fair treatment.

– EPFO delay is causing financial loss and mental stress.
– With written communication and RTI, you can demand quick resolution.

– Keep calm but stay persistent.
– You will be able to close the matter with rightful benefits.

– Your discipline in record-keeping and action is praiseworthy.
– Please keep moving step by step as explained above.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,
Chief Financial Planner,
www.holisticinvestment.in
https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment
DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information to be as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision.
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Ramalingam

Ramalingam Kalirajan  |10872 Answers  |Ask -

Mutual Funds, Financial Planning Expert - Answered on Dec 06, 2025

Asked by Anonymous - Dec 06, 2025Hindi
Money
Dear Sir/Ma'am, I need some guidance and advice for continuing my mutual fund investments. I am a 36 year old male, married, no kids yet and no debts/liabilities as such. I have couple of savings in PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and long term investing in direct stocks. I recently started below mentioned SIPs for long term to grow wealth. Request you to review the same and let me know if I should continue with the SIPs or need to rationalize. Kindly also advice on how to invest a lumpsum amount of around 6lacs. invesco small cap 2000 motilal oswal midcap 2700 parag parikh flexicap 3000 HDFC flexicap 3100 ICICI prudential largecap 3100 HDFC large and midcap 3100 HDFC gold etf FOF 2000 ICICI Pru equity and debt fund 3000 HDFC balanced advantage fund 3000 nippon india silver etf FOF 2000
Ans: You already built a solid foundation. Many investors delay planning. But you started early at 36. That gives you a strong advantage. You have no liabilities. You have long term thinking. You also have diversified savings like PPF, NPS, Emergency funds and direct stocks. That shows clarity and discipline. This approach builds wealth with less stress over time.

You also started systematic investments in equity funds. That is a positive step. Your selection covers multiple categories like large cap, mid cap, small cap, flexi cap, hybrid and precious metals. So the intent is right. You are trying to create a broad portfolio. That gives balance.

» Your Portfolio Composition Understanding
Your current SIP list includes:

Small cap

Mid cap

Flexi cap

Large cap

Large and mid cap

Hybrid category

Gold and Silver FoF

Equity and Debt allocation fund

Dynamic hybrid fund

This shows you are trying to cover many segments. But too many categories can create overlap. When there is overlap, you get confusion during review. It also makes portfolio discipline difficult. You may think you are diversified. But the holdings inside may repeat. That reduces efficiency.

Your portfolio now looks like:

Equity dominant

Hybrid for stability

Metals for hedge

So the broad direction is fine. But simplifying helps in long-term habit building.

» Fund Category Duplication
You hold:

Two flexi cap funds

One large and mid cap fund

One pure large cap fund

One mid cap fund

One small cap fund

Flexi cap funds already invest across large, mid, small. Then large and mid also overlaps. So the large cap exposure gets repeated. That may not add extra benefit. But it increases monitoring complexity.

So I suggest rationalising. Keep one fund per category in core. Keep satellite space for only high conviction.

» Core and Satellite Strategy
A structured portfolio follows core and satellite method.

Core portfolio should be:

Simple

Long term

Stable

Satellite portfolio can be:

High growth

Concentrated

Based on your thinking level, you can structure like this:

Core funds:

One large cap

One flexi cap

One hybrid equity and debt fund

One balanced advantage type fund

Satellite funds:

One mid cap

One small cap

One metal allocation if needed

This division gives clarity. You can continue SIPs with review every year. No need to stop and restart often. That reduces behavioural mistakes.

» Your Current SIP List Review with Suggested Streamlining

You can consider continuing:

One flexi cap

One large cap

One mid cap

One small cap

One balanced advantage

One equity and debt hybrid

You may reconsider keeping both flexi caps and both gold silver funds. One of each category is enough. Because too many funds do not increase returns. It complicates tracking.

Precious metal funds should not be more than 5 to 7 percent in your portfolio. This is because metals are hedge assets. They do not create compounding like equity. They act as protection during cycles. So keep them small.

» How to Use the Rs 6 Lakh Lump Sum
You asked about lump sum investing. This is important. Lump sum should not go fully into equity at one time. Markets move in cycles. So use a staggered method. You can invest the lump sum through STP (Systematic Transfer Plan). You can keep the amount in a liquid fund and set STP toward your chosen growth funds over 6 to 12 months.

This reduces timing risk. It also creates discipline. So your Rs 6 lakh can be deployed gradually. You may use 50% towards core equity funds and 30% toward satellite growth category. The remaining 20% can go into hybrid category. This gives balance and comfort.

» Regular Funds Over Direct Funds
One important point many investors miss. Direct funds look cheaper. But they demand deep knowledge, discipline, and behaviour control. Most investors lose more through emotional selling and wrong timing than they save on expense ratio.

With regular funds through a Mutual Fund Distributor with Certified Financial Planner qualification, you get guidance, structure and correction. The advisory discipline protects you during market extremes. That is more valuable than a small saving in expense ratio.

A personalised planner also tracks portfolio drift, rebalancing need and category shifts. So regular fund investing gives long-term benefit and behaviour coaching.

» Actively Managed Funds over Index or ETF
Some investors choose index funds or ETF thinking they are simple and cheap. But they ignore drawbacks.

Index funds or ETF will not avoid weak companies in the index. They will invest whether the company grows or struggles. There is no fund manager decision making. So when markets are at peak, index funds continue aggressive exposure. In downturns also they fall fully. There is no cushion.

Actively managed funds work with research teams. They can avoid bad sectors. They can shift allocation based on market and economy. Over long term, this gives better alpha and stability. So continuing with actively managed funds creates better wealth compounding.

» SIP Continuation Strategy
Once the rationalisation is done, continue SIPs every month without interruption. Pause and restart behaviour damages compounding power. SIP works best when you go through all market cycles. You benefit more during corrections because cost averaging works.

So continue SIP amount. You can also review SIP increase every year based on income. Increasing SIP by 10 to 15 percent every year helps you reach large corpus faster.

» Asset Allocation Based Approach
One key point in wealth creation is having the right asset mix. Equity gives growth. Hybrid gives balance. Metals give hedge. Debt gives safety. Your asset allocation should stay aligned to your risk profile and time horizon.

Since you are young and have long term horizon, higher equity allocation is fine. But as time moves, rebalancing is important. Rebalancing protects gains and restores allocation.

So review your asset allocation every year or during major life events like child birth, home buying or retirement planning.

» Behaviour Management
Many portfolios fail not due to bad funds. They fail due to bad decisions. Selling during correction. Stopping SIP when market falls. Chasing past return performance. These mistakes reduce wealth.

Your discipline so far is good. Continue to stay patient during volatility. Equity rewards patience and time.

» Financial Goals Clarity
Since you have no children now, you can decide your long-term goals. Typical goals may include:

Retirement

Future child education

Dream lifestyle purchase

Health care reserves

When goals are clear, investment purpose becomes stronger. So you can map each fund category to goal horizon. Short-term goals should not use equity. Long-term goals should use equity with hybrid support.

» Role of Review and Monitoring
Review once in a year is enough. Frequent review can create anxiety. Annual review helps check:

Fund performance

Expense drift

Category relevance

Allocation balance

Then adjust only if needed. This progress helps you stay confident and aligned.

» Taxation Awareness
Equity mutual funds taxation rules are:

Short term (below one year holding) taxable at 20 percent

Long term (above one year holding) gains above Rs 1.25 lakh taxable at 12.5 percent

Debt mutual funds are taxed as per your income slab.

So always hold equity funds for long term. That reduces tax impact and gives better growth.

» SIP Increase Plan
You can create a simple plan to increase SIP over time. For example:

Increase SIP at every salary increment

Increase SIP during bonus time

Use rewards or extra income for investing

This habit accelerates wealth. So by the time you reach 45 to 50 years, your investments could reach a strong level.

» Insurance and Protection
Before investing large, ensure you have term insurance and health insurance. If not already done, it is important. Insurance protects wealth. Without insurance, even a small medical event can impact investment plan. So review this part also. Since you are married, cover both.

» Wealth Behaviour Mindset
You are already disciplined. Just keep these simple principles:

Invest without stopping

Review once a year

Avoid funds overlap

Follow asset allocation

Avoid reacting to media noise

This helps you reach long term milestones.

» Finally
You are on the right track. Only fine tuning and simplification is needed. Your discipline is visible. Your portfolio will grow well with structure, patience and periodic review. Use the Rs 6 lakh with STP approach. And continue SIP with rationalised categories.

With time and consistency, wealth creation becomes effortless and peaceful. You just need to stay committed and avoid overthinking during market movements.

Best Regards,
K. Ramalingam, MBA, CFP,

Chief Financial Planner,

www.holisticinvestment.in

https://www.youtube.com/@HolisticInvestment

...Read more

Dr Dipankar

Dr Dipankar Dutta  |1837 Answers  |Ask -

Tech Careers and Skill Development Expert - Answered on Dec 05, 2025

Career
Dear Sir, I did my BTech from a normal engineering college not very famous. The teaching was not great and hence i did not study well. I tried my best to learn coding including all the technologies like html,css,javascript,react js,dba,php because i wanted to be a web developer But nothing seem to enter my head except html and css. I don't understand a language which has more complexities. Is it because of my lack of experience or not devoting enough time. I am not sure. I did many courses online and tried to do diplomas also abroad which i passed somehow. I recently joined android development course because i like apps but the teaching was so fast that i could not memorize anything. There was no time to even take notes down. During the course i did assignments and understood the code because i have to pass but after the course is over i tend to forget everything. I attempted a lot of interviews. Some of them i even got but could not perform well so they let me go. Now due to the AI booming and job markets in a bad shape i am re-thinking whether to keep studying or whether its just time waste. Since 3 years i am doing labour type of jobs which does not yield anything to me for survival and to pay my expenses. I have the quest to learn everything but as soon as i sit in front of the computer i listen to music or read something else. What should i do to stay more focused? What should i do to make myself believe confident. Is there still scope of IT in todays world? Kindly advise.
Ans: Your story does not show failure.
It shows persistence, effort, and desire to improve.

Most people give up.
You didn’t.
That means you will succeed — but with the right method, not the old one.

...Read more

DISCLAIMER: The content of this post by the expert is the personal view of the rediffGURU. Investment in securities market are subject to market risks. Read all the related document carefully before investing. The securities quoted are for illustration only and are not recommendatory. Users are advised to pursue the information provided by the rediffGURU only as a source of information and as a point of reference and to rely on their own judgement when making a decision. RediffGURUS is an intermediary as per India's Information Technology Act.

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