You can now instantly create and activate your Universal Account Number (UAN) using the UMANG app by simply scanning your face. This unique ‘Face Scan’ feature from the EPFO has made managing PF funds extremely easy and error-free. Learn how this digital initiative will help you complete all your PF-related work from home in minutes and eliminate complex processes.
Three New Features on the UMANG App
The EPFO has introduced three new and powerful features in the UMANG app to enhance the convenience of employees. The UAN is a unique number for your PF account, without which you cannot withdraw PF funds, check your balance, or make changes to your details. This new feature has been introduced to prevent inconvenience and errors for employees.
Three New Services
The first service is that if you need a new UAN, you can instantly create and activate it. The second service is that if your UAN is already created but not activated, you can activate it instantly. The third service is that if your UAN is already activated, you can access it using facial recognition.
For all these services, you only need your Aadhaar card and the UMANG app, which you can download for free from the Google Play Store. You can do all these tasks yourself without any assistance using your smartphone. Even your company can create a UAN using this app. You can also download your UAN card as a PDF.
Simple Process to Create a UAN with a Face Scan
Creating a UAN has now become incredibly simple. You only need to follow a few steps:
First, you need to open the UMANG app and click on the “UAN Allotment and Activation” option.
Next, you need to enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number associated with it.
You’ll need to tick a box to give your consent and click “Send OTP.”
Enter and verify the OTP received on your phone. If necessary, download the Aadhaar Face ID app.
Now you’ll need to select the facial recognition option. The camera in the app will open, which will scan your face.
Once scanned, the edge of the screen will turn green, similar to the DigiYatra app at airports.
If your face matches your Aadhaar data, the system will immediately generate a new UAN and send it to your mobile via SMS.
A major digital step and relief for employees
Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has described this new facility as a major digital step for employees. This new facility is indeed a major relief for employees. Previously, to create a UAN, the company had to send its data to the EPFO. Mistakes in name, mobile number, or other information often caused problems later.
Now, facial recognition will eliminate this hassle. In fiscal year 2024-25, 12.7 million UANs were created, but only 35% of them were activated. This new technology will now give more people the unique ability to easily activate their UANs. This feature will save time and make PF-related services more convenient and reliable.