epfo uan: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization has provided significant relief to its millions of PF account holders. It’s often observed that when employees try to activate their Universal Account Number (UAN), the OTP doesn’t arrive on the mobile number linked to their Aadhaar card, or their fingerprints don’t match. To address this significant problem, the EPFO has introduced a simple technology called “face authentication” on the Umang app.
Now, PF account holders can activate their UAN and take advantage of EPFO’s digital services in a jiffy by simply scanning their face. Let’s explore the complete step-by-step process for using this feature.
These 2 apps will be needed for face authentication
To utilize this new feature, you must have two official government applications installed on your smartphone:
Umang App: This is the Central Government’s comprehensive app that provides access to EPFO services.
Aadhaar FaceRD App: This official application from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) operates in the background to scan and verify faces in real-time. You can download it for free from the Google Play Store.
Here’s how to activate your UAN step-by-step:
If you are activating your UAN for the first time or if your process is halted for any reason, please follow the steps outlined below:
Step 1: Download the app and log in: Start by opening the ‘Umang’ app on your mobile device. If you don’t have an account, register with your mobile number and log in.
Step 2: Search for EPFO Services: On the app’s homepage, enter ‘EPFO’ in the search bar at the top and select the official EPFO department page.
Step 3: Choose the UAN Activation option: In the EPFO section, you will find various options. Tap on ‘UAN Activation’ or ‘UAN Activity’ under ‘Employee Centric Services’.
Step 4: Provide basic credentials: Fill in the necessary details requested on the screen, including your UAN number, name, date of birth, and your registered mobile number.
Step 5: Choose ‘Face Authentication’: After entering your information, you will see an option for ‘Face Authentication’ alongside ‘OTP’ on the verification screen. Click on it.
Step 6: Scan your face: When you select Face Authentication, your phone’s front camera will activate. Look directly at the camera and blink once. Make sure there is enough light for your face to be clearly seen.
Step 7: Activation successful: Your information will be verified immediately upon a successful face match. A message stating ‘UAN Successfully Activated’ will show up on your screen, and a default password will be sent to your registered mobile number.
What will be the benefits to PF employees from this feature?
This move by EPFO is technically considered a major reform, which will provide these direct benefits to crores of employees:
Freedom from OTP hassles: Sometimes OTPs don’t arrive due to telecom network issues or an old mobile number being registered in Aadhaar. Now, your face will become your password.
Curbing fraud: Face authentication technology recognises live faces, preventing anyone from tampering with your PF account or activating your UAN fraudulently.
Big relief for the elderly and pensioners: This technology is no less than a boon for those employees or pensioners whose fingerprints get worn out due to age or hard work and do not match in the biometric machines.
Here, keep in mind that for the face authentication process to complete smoothly, your face should match the photo present in your database and there should be direct light on your face at the time of scanning.
