• Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) said applicants seeking withdrawal from provident funds online do not have to upload the image of a cancelled cheque and their bank accounts need not be verified by employers.

• The move is expected to fast-track the claim settlement process for over 7.7 crore members and ensure ease of doing business for employers.

• At present, members of EPFO, while applying for withdrawal of funds from PF accounts online, need to upload image of cheque leaf or attested photocopy of the passbook of the bank account seeded with the UAN (Universal Account Number) or PF number. The employers are also required to approve the bank account details of the applicant.

• These two steps have been done away with to ensure ‘ease of living’ for EPF members and 'ease of doing business' for employers.

• These measures will significantly streamline the process of claim settlement and reduce grievances related to claim rejections.

• These requirements were initially relaxed on a pilot basis for certain KYC-updated members. Since the pilot launch on May 28, 2024, the move has already benefited 1.7 crore EPF members. Following the successful pilot, EPFO has now extended this relaxation to all members.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO)

• The Employees’ Provident Fund came into existence with the promulgation of the Employees’ Provident Funds Ordinance in November, 1951, with a view to provide for the institution of provident funds for employees in factories and other establishments.

• It was replaced by the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act on March 4, 1952.

• The Scheme framed under section 5 of the Act was brought into force in stages and was enforced in its entirety by November 1, 1952. This date is now celebrated as the Foundation Day of EPFO.

• The EPFO is responsible for administration of the Employees Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.

• The Act extends to the whole of India.

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is a statutory body under the ministry of labour and employment. 

• It administers the Act and the schemes under the overall supervision of the Central Board of Trustees. 

• The Central Board (EPF) is a tripartite statutory body constituted by the central government under Section 5A of the Act. It has the responsibility to administer the Act and the three schemes framed under the Act. The Union minister for labour & employment is the chairman of the Board. The tenure of the Board is five years.

Three schemes have been framed under the Act:

1) Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme

• Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme, 1952 is the first scheme under the EPF & MP Act, 1952, that came into effect on November 1, 1952. It is a statutory benefit available to the employees post retirement or when they leave the services. In case of deceased employees, their dependents are entitled for the benefits. 

• Under the scheme both employers and employees make their contribution towards the fund. Interest earned on the amount is credited to the members Provident Fund Account (PF accounts) and is available to the employees at the time of retirement or exit from employment as the case may be, provided certain conditions are fulfilled.

• The scheme mandates coverage of all establishments under its scheduled list of establishments/factories, employing 20 or more persons.

2) Employees’ Pension Scheme

• The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 (EPS) came into effect on November 16, 1995. With its introduction, the erstwhile Employees’ Family Pension Scheme, 1971 (EFPS) ceased to operate and all the assets and liabilities of this scheme were transferred and merged with the Employees’ Pension Fund.

• The benefits and entitlements of the beneficiaries under the old scheme (EFPS) are protected and continued under the new EPS, 1995.

• EPS has been designed on the principles of a “Defined Contribution Defined Benefit” Social Insurance Scheme and adopts “actuarial principles” for ensuring long term financial viability. The scheme aims at providing economic sustenance during old age and survivor-ship coverage to members and their families. 

• The Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 is funded by diversion of an amount equivalent to 8.33 per cent of the monthly wages from the monthly employer’s share of Provident Fund contributions as well as a contribution of 1.16 per cent of the monthly wages (limited to the amount payable on pay of Rs 15,000 only) by the central government.

3) Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme

• Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme-1976 (insurance scheme) came into force on August 1, 1976. This scheme is supported by a nominal contribution by the employers. No contribution is payable by the employee for availing the insurance cover.

• Insurance scheme is applicable to all factories/establishments to which the EPF Act, 1952 applies. All the employees who are members of the provident fund are members of this scheme.

• EPFO account holders become eligible for assured life insurance benefits of up to Rs 7 lakh, without having to pay any amount as premium. 

• Minimum assurance benefit of Rs 2.5 lakh if the employee was in continuous service in the 12 months prior to their death.

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