In a major push to modernise and streamline social security services, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set for a significant overhaul. Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, announced that EPFO offices across India will be redeveloped into modern, single-window service centres.
A New Era of Citizen-Centric Service
Dr. Mandaviya revealed the transformative plan during the inauguration of the new Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan, the EPFO Regional Office in Vatva, Gujarat, on Friday, December 26. The new model is inspired by the efficient passport seva kendras and aims to eliminate geographical restrictions for beneficiaries.
The core change will allow any EPF member to walk into any regional office in the country to resolve their issues, completely doing away with the previous requirement to approach only the office they were registered with. This move is designed to provide unprecedented flexibility and convenience to India's workforce, especially migrant workers.
Key Initiatives and Digital Bridges
A pilot project for this single-window system is currently operational in Delhi. Alongside the physical transformation, the government will introduce 'EPF Suvidha Providers' – authorised facilitators who will guide members, particularly first-time users and those less familiar with digital systems, in accessing benefits and resolving queries.
Addressing the long-standing issue of inoperative accounts, the Minister stated that EPFO will launch a mission-mode operation for KYC verification of such accounts. A dedicated digital platform will also be established to simplify claim filing and ensure hassle-free settlement to rightful claimants.
Expanding India's Social Security Net
Dr. Mandaviya highlighted the monumental growth in India's social security coverage. From a mere 19% coverage before 2014, India now covers 64% of its eligible population, a feat commended by international bodies like the ILO and ISSA. Today, 94 crore Indians are under social security protection, making the country the second-largest covered population globally after China.
The minister set an ambitious target of covering 100 crore citizens by March 2026. He also emphasised the financial strength of EPFO, which manages a colossal fund corpus of ₹28 lakh crore and provides an annual interest rate of 8.25%, backed by the sovereign guarantee of the Government of India.
In a forward-looking step, Dr. Mandaviya announced that future Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) will incorporate social security protection clauses. This measure, modelled on the India-UK FTA, will ensure Indian workers employed abroad can retain their PF contributions and access benefits even after returning home.
This comprehensive suite of reforms signifies the government's commitment to building a robust, accessible, and future-ready social security ecosystem for India's vast workforce.
