EPFO Simplifies Member Profile Updates
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has taken significant steps to enhance its member services. In a move aimed at simplifying the process of updating member profiles, EPFO has introduced a new procedure that allows members to make changes without the need for additional documentation. This initiative reflects EPFO’s commitment to improving service delivery and ensuring the accuracy of member data.
Streamlined Profile Update Process
Under the revised procedure, members whose Universal Account Number (UAN) has been validated through Aadhaar can now update their profiles independently. This includes changes to essential details such as name, date of birth, gender, nationality, and marital status. Previously, members were required to upload supporting documents for these changes. Now, they can make updates directly, which significantly reduces the time and effort involved in the process.
However, there are exceptions. For members who obtained their UAN before October 1, 2017, changes will still require employer certification. This step ensures that the integrity of the data remains intact while allowing for necessary updates. The new system is expected to streamline the process, making it more user-friendly and efficient for members.
Importance of Accurate Member Data
Maintaining accurate personal data is crucial for the EPFO. It ensures that services are delivered seamlessly and minimizes the risk of erroneous or fraudulent payments. Previously, members had to upload documents and wait for their employers to endorse their requests before EPFO could approve them. This process often led to delays and frustration among members.
In the fiscal year 2024-25, EPFO received around 800,000 requests for corrections through employers. Remarkably, nearly 45% of these requests can now be self-approved by members without needing employer verification. This change is expected to eliminate an average delay of 28 days that was previously common in the approval process.
Benefits for Members and Employers
The new self-approval feature will benefit approximately 390,000 members whose requests are currently pending at various stages. Members who have already submitted requests can delete them and use the simplified process to self-approve their changes. This shift not only empowers members but also reduces the workload on employers, allowing them to focus on other critical tasks.
Currently, about 27% of grievances filed by members relate to profile and KYC issues. With the introduction of the revised Joint Declaration (JD) functionality, EPFO anticipates a significant reduction in these grievances. The streamlined process will facilitate quicker resolutions and improve overall member satisfaction.
Enhancing Service Delivery and Ease of Doing Business
The simplification of the online process is a significant step toward ensuring data consistency and minimizing errors. It promotes efficient service delivery, making it easier for members to manage their profiles. Additionally, by reducing the verification workload on employers, the new system enhances the ease of doing business.
EPFO’s commitment to improving member services is evident in this initiative. By empowering members to manage their profiles independently, EPFO is not only enhancing user experience but also ensuring that the organization operates more efficiently. This change is expected to lead to a more responsive and effective service delivery model, ultimately benefiting all stakeholders involved.
Observer Voice is the one stop site for National, International news, Editor’s Choice, Art/culture contents, Quotes and much more. We also cover historical contents. Historical contents includes World History, Indian History, and what happened today. The website also covers Entertainment across the India and World.