EPFO: Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced several major reforms to strengthen EPFO services across the country. On December 26, Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurated the Bhavishya Nidhi Bhavan, the regional office of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in Vatva, Gujarat. He said that many existing EPFO offices are being converted into modern, technology-enabled, passport-seva-kendra-style single-window service centers. This will allow citizens to resolve any EPF-related issue at any regional office across the country.
Problems will be solved
He stated that a pilot project is underway in Delhi. Mandaviya added that in the future, beneficiaries will be able to have their issues resolved at any regional office, eliminating the need to visit the specific office. Mandaviya also stated that to increase access for workers, especially first-time users and those unfamiliar with the digital system, the government will soon introduce EPF service providers. These service providers will be authorized to guide members in resolving issues. They will act as a bridge between citizens and the EPFO.
Money is stuck in inactive accounts’
He pointed out that a large proportion of workers are stuck in inactive accounts. Mandaviya explained that the EPFO will now conduct mission-mode KYC verification for such accounts and launch a dedicated digital platform to enable simplified claim filing and hassle-free settlement to the rightful claimant.
Furthermore, he stated that going forward, India’s free trade agreements (FTAs) will include social security protection provisions to ensure that Indian workers employed abroad can maintain their PF contributions and receive benefits even after returning to India.
