EPFO Launches Aadhaar Face Authentication for UAN

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken a significant step towards digital empowerment by introducing a new method for Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation. This innovative service utilizes Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT) through the UMANG Mobile App, providing a secure and contactless experience for millions of EPFO members. This initiative aims to streamline the UAN process, making it more accessible and efficient for employees and employers alike.

Simplifying the UAN Process for Employees

Previously, the generation of UANs was primarily managed by employers, who submitted employee data to the EPFO. This process often led to inaccuracies in critical information, such as names, mobile numbers, and dates of birth. Such errors could complicate claim processing and hinder access to various EPFO services. In many instances, employees were not even informed of their UANs, and incorrect mobile numbers made direct communication challenging. Additionally, the activation of UANs through Aadhaar OTP validation on the EPFO Member portal was a separate and often confusing process for members.

In the financial year 2024-25, only 35.30% of the 1.26 crore UANs allotted were activated by members. Despite reminders to employers to encourage employees to activate their UANs, many remained inactive. This situation highlighted the need for a more efficient and user-friendly solution to facilitate UAN activation and ensure that employees could access benefits under the Employment Linked Scheme through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

New Aadhaar FAT-Based Process: Direct and Secure

To tackle these ongoing challenges, the EPFO has introduced a direct UAN generation and activation process using Face Authentication via the UMANG App. This new service is available to both employees and employers and offers several advantages:

• • Complete validation of Aadhaar and user identity through Face Authentication.

• • Automatic pre-population of user data from the Aadhaar database.

• • Verification of the mobile number against the one registered with Aadhaar.

• • Simultaneous UAN activation during the generation process on the EPFO portal.

• • Empowerment of employees to generate their UAN independently, with the option to download an e-UAN card PDF.

• • Immediate access to EPFO services, including passbook viewing, KYC updates, and claim submissions.

The steps for using this new process are straightforward:

• • Download and install the UMANG App from the Play Store.

• • Install the AadhaarFaceRD App from the Play Store.

• • Open the UMANG App and navigate to “UAN Allotment and Activation” under UAN services.

• • Enter your Aadhaar number and the mobile number linked to Aadhaar for OTP verification.

• • Provide consent by ticking the checkbox.

• • Validate the OTP received on your mobile.

• • Capture a live photo using the app, ensuring the image is successfully taken.

• • Upon successful verification, your UAN will be generated and sent via SMS.

• • Download your UAN card from the UMANG App or Member Portal, where it will be auto-activated.

UAN Activation for Existing Members

For members who already possess a UAN but have not activated it, the UMANG App now provides a simple method for activation. This enhancement allows existing members to easily access their accounts and EPFO services without additional hurdles.

Enhanced Security Through Biometric Authentication

The introduction of biometric authentication via Face Authentication significantly enhances security compared to traditional methods like demographic or OTP-based verification. This technology ensures accurate and tamper-proof identity verification at the entry point into the EPFO system. The secure verification process will also facilitate a range of self-service options for members, reducing the need for employer or Regional Office intervention in future services.

Employers are encouraged to adopt this new UAN generation method using Face Authentication to improve efficiency and minimize errors. By promoting this process, employers can assist first-time employees in generating their UANs, ensuring timely and authenticated registration in the EPFO system. Additionally, the EPFO plans to collaborate with My Bharat to promote digital life certificates through Jeevan Pramaan using Face Authentication Technology, providing doorstep services to pensioners in the near future.

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