NEW DELHI: Union labour and employment minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday launched WhatsApp-based services for Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers.The roll out will allow them to check their provident fund (PF) balance, access passbook details and view their latest five transactions through the organisation’s verified WhatsApp service.The new facility will also offer personalised guidance and assistance to subscribers in completing requirements related to the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), according to a labour ministry statement. The move is aimed at making routine EPFO services accessible through a familiar mobile platform and reducing the need for subscribers to visit EPFO offices.The announcements were made during EPFO’s 74th Foundation Day celebration, where Mandaviya also launched an automatic settlement facility for eligible inoperative EPF accounts.
What EPFO subscribers can access through WhatsApp
Under the new facility, subscribers will be able to use EPFO’s verified WhatsApp service to access key account-related information, including:
- PF balance: Check the balance in their provident fund account.
- Latest transactions: View details of their five most recent transactions.
- Passbook information: Access their EPF passbook details.
- PMVBRY assistance: Receive personalised guidance and help with completing requirements related to the employment-linked scheme.
The service is expected to make routine EPFO services easier to access and reduce the need for subscribers to visit EPFO offices.
Automatic settlement of inoperative EPF accounts: Who is eligible
Mandaviya also launched the automatic settlement of eligible inoperative EPF accounts. Under this facility, subscribers with Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts holding balances of up to Rs 1,000 will not have to file individual claims to receive their dues.EPFO will initiate the settlement process automatically after completing the prescribed identity and bank account verification. The eligible amount will then be transferred to the rightful beneficiaries.Around one lakh accounts, involving approximately Rs 5 crore, are expected to benefit from the initiative.
What else was announced
Seven publications were released during the celebration. They reflect EPFO’s focus on knowledge creation, institutional learning, legal awareness and compassionate governance.Speaking at the event, Mandaviya said EPFO had emerged as a trusted institution for India’s workforce over its 74-year journey.He said the organisation’s Rs 32 lakh crore corpus, accumulated through contributions from more than eight crore members, reflected the trust placed in it and the dedication, hard work and commitment of its workforce.The minister urged EPFO officials to focus on worker-centric innovations as the organisation approaches its 75th year. He also called for adapting to changing times, building resilience and evolving processes to improve services for subscribers.
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