New Delhi: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is constantly making changes, which affect its members. If your name is associated with the EPFO, then some major changes have been made. The EPFO has now announced significant changes related to its operations.
According to the new rules, all offices will be transformed into single-window service centres, similar to Passport Seva Kendras. This will greatly benefit PF employees, who will now be able to get their issues resolved at any regional office in the country. They will no longer have to visit the specific office where their PF account is registered.
No need to visit the office anymore
It’s good news that during the inauguration of the new Provident Fund building of EPFO in Vatva, Minister Mandaviya shared important information. He said that the trial of the new system has already started in Delhi. Previously, employees had to go to the specific regional office associated with their employer to file complaints or claims.
Now, with the help of modern technology, the system is being made completely digital and connected. This means that a person from any city can go to the nearest EPFO office to get their work done.
EPF Service Providers will assist employees
The central government will soon launch a new mechanism for EPF Service Providers. These will be authorised facilitators who will assist employees who have difficulty using the digital system. They will also assist first-time PF contributors. These service providers will act as a bridge between citizens and the EPFO.
They will also guide employees in the settlement of claims. Millions of employees’ money is stuck in EPF accounts that have been closed or inactive for years. During this time, the minister said that the EPFO will now conduct KYC verification for these accounts in a mission mode. Most importantly, a dedicated digital platform will also be launched for this purpose.
Money will not be lost even in this condition.
It’s also good to know that India is now including social security clauses in its free trade agreements. Mandaviya informed that, similar to the India-UK agreement, future deals with other countries will also include a provision ensuring that if an Indian employee returns to India after working abroad, their provident fund contributions made in that country will not go to waste.