The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced groundbreaking changes to simplify the process of updating personal details and transferring EPF accounts online. Over 7.6 crore EPFO members, including employees from Jammu & Kashmir, can now benefit from these updates, ensuring a seamless and efficient experience without requiring employer intervention or prior approval from the EPFO.
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced these new facilities on Saturday, aiming to reduce member grievances and enhance operational efficiency.
Key Highlights of the New EPFO Facilities
1. Update Personal Details Online Without Employer Verification
EPFO members can now update critical personal details, such as:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Nationality
- Father/mother’s name
- Marital status
- Spouse’s name
- Date of joining and leaving
This facility is available for members whose UAN (Universal Account Number) was issued after October 1, 2017, when Aadhaar linking became mandatory. The streamlined process removes the need for employer verification or EPFO approval, ensuring faster corrections.
2. Simplified Process for Older UANs
For UANs issued before October 1, 2017, employers can directly update personal details without needing EPFO approval. Supporting document requirements have also been simplified for such cases. However, if the UAN is not Aadhaar-linked, the correction process must still be routed through the employer with physical verification.
Effortless EPF Transfer with Aadhaar OTP
The new facility allows EPFO members with e-KYC compliant accounts (linked with Aadhaar) to file EPF transfer claims online using an OTP sent to their Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
This eliminates the need for employer verification, making the process more efficient. Members who had previously filed transfer claims pending with employers can now delete those requests and refile directly through EPFO’s online portal.
Key benefits include:
- Instant Transfer Claims: 94% of claims filed during FY 2024-25 will instantly reach EPFO without employer intervention.
- Faster Processing: Turnaround time is significantly reduced as the employer’s approval step is bypassed.
- Reduced Grievances: Member grievances related to transfer issues (currently 17%) are expected to drop significantly.
Simplification of the Joint Declaration Process
Previously, correcting errors in personal details required a cumbersome process called the Joint Declaration, involving multiple verifications by employers and EPFO. On average, this process took 28 days for approval.
The updated system allows members to self-correct errors through Aadhaar OTP verification, instantly resolving 45% of cases. For the remaining 50% of cases, the employer can update details directly.
This improvement is set to benefit around 3.9 lakh pending cases with employers, offering immediate relief to members.
Impact on Grievances and Efficiency
The rollout of these new services will address several key issues:
- Reduced Grievances: Member grievances related to KYC and transfer issues account for 27% of all complaints. The new system will significantly reduce this percentage.
- Ease for Employers: Large organizations with high workloads for verifying member details will benefit from reduced administrative burdens.
- Improved Processing Time: The average time for employer approval (12-13 days) will no longer delay EPF transfer claims.
Read also: Important Helpline Numbers in Jammu Division for Emergencies
How Members in Jammu & Kashmir Can Benefit
EPFO’s streamlined services are a boon for employees in Jammu & Kashmir, where a significant number of workers rely on EPF benefits. These changes ensure:
- Faster Updates: Members can update their personal details online without the hassle of employer verification.
- Seamless Transfers: Employees changing jobs can transfer their EPF accounts easily, avoiding delays caused by pending employer approvals.
- Grievance Reduction: The simplified process will minimize errors and expedite resolutions.
- Click here to visit EPFO Website
Future Initiatives for Enhanced Services
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that EPFO aims to bring its services on par with banking systems. Further simplifications in internal processes for claim processing are expected soon, ensuring quicker and more reliable services.
Conclusion
The EPFO’s new facilities mark a significant milestone in improving service delivery for its 7.6 crore members, including those in Jammu & Kashmir. By enabling online personal detail corrections and EPF transfers without employer intervention, the organisation is empowering employees with greater control over their accounts. These changes not only streamline processes but also reduce grievances, benefitting both members and employers alike.
Employees can now enjoy faster, more efficient EPF services, paving the way for a hassle-free experience in managing their provident fund accounts.
