The Ministry of Labour has announced a new process to simplify the payment of claims by accepting Aadhaar as the only identification document for the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). This move aims to eliminate the complexities surrounding documentation when settling claims. To make it easier for private sector employees with EPF accounts to claim their funds, Aadhaar will now be recognized as the most reliable and universally accepted verification document. Many claims have been pending due to discrepancies in the documents related to EPF. By making Aadhaar the primary verification document, the ministry hopes to resolve these pending claims more effectively.
The Ministry of Labour expects that this change will not only make it more convenient for EPF account holders to file their claims but also reduce the time it takes to process these claims. During a review meeting assessing the operations of 21 regional EPFO offices across the country, Central Labour and Employment Secretary Sumita Dawra emphasized the importance of using Aadhaar to eliminate delays in claim settlements due to the need for authentic documents. She stated that using Aadhaar as an identification document simplifies government distribution processes.
According to the Secretary, the Aadhaar-based verification will eliminate the need for EPF employees to prepare multiple documents to prove their identity when settling claims. To streamline this process, new members joining the EPF will be required to link their Universal Account Number (UAN) with their Aadhaar at the time of registration. The meeting also discussed strategies to address complaints related to delays in claim settlements caused by issues like errors in members’ profiles, non-compliance by employers, and technical glitches.
