The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the e-Praapti portal to facilitate the withdrawal of money from inactive provident fund accounts. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya announced the initiative, which aims to simplify the process for millions of employees who have inactive PF accounts.
What is the e-Praapti Portal?
The e-Praapti portal is a new online platform that allows EPFO members to withdraw funds from their inactive provident fund accounts without any hassle. Inactive accounts are those where no contributions have been made for a continuous period of 36 months or more. The portal streamlines the claim settlement process, reducing paperwork and processing time.
Key Features of e-Praapti
- Online Withdrawal: Members can file claims online without visiting an EPFO office.
- Auto-Settlement: Claims are processed automatically if all details match the database.
- Transparency: Real-time tracking of claim status is available.
- No Employer Intervention: In most cases, employer verification is not required.
How to Use e-Praapti Portal
To withdraw funds using the e-Praapti portal, follow these steps:
- Visit the official EPFO member portal at epfindia.gov.in.
- Log in using your Universal Account Number (UAN) and password.
- Go to the 'Online Services' section and click on 'Claim (Form-31, 19, 10C & 10D)'.
- Enter the required details, including bank account information and Aadhaar number.
- Submit the claim. The portal will automatically process the withdrawal if the account is inactive.
Benefits for Employees
The e-Praapti portal is expected to benefit over 50 million EPFO members who have inactive accounts. It eliminates the need for multiple visits to EPFO offices and reduces the claim settlement time from weeks to days. The initiative aligns with the government's digital India drive and aims to ensure that workers can access their hard-earned money without delays.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya stated, 'This portal is a game-changer for workers who have left their jobs or changed employment. They can now easily withdraw their PF money without any bureaucratic hurdles.'
Important Points to Note
- The e-Praapti portal is only for inactive accounts. Active accounts require employer verification.
- Members must have a verified UAN with linked Aadhaar and bank account.
- Tax deductions may apply as per existing rules for PF withdrawals.
EPFO has also launched awareness campaigns to educate members about the new portal. For any queries, members can contact the EPFO helpline or visit their nearest EPFO office.
