Order of recognition.

78. An order according recognition to a provident fund shall take effect from the last day of the month in which the application for recognition is received by the income-tax authority concerned, unless, at the request of the employer, the last day of any later month in the same financial year is specified :

[Provided that if the [Chief Commissioner or Commissioner] is satisfied that there was sufficient reason for the delay in making such application, he may accord recognition to the fund from a date not earlier than the 1st day of April of the financial year in which the application is made.]