EPFO offices to function like ‘Passport Seva Kendras’:PF disputes can now be resolved at any branch office nationwide; aim to serve 100 crore people by 2026

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is set to undergo a major transformation, with all its offices across the country being converted into Single-Window Service Centres, similar to Passport Seva Kendras. Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya announced the reforms on Friday, stating that the initiative aims to extend EPFO services to nearly 100 crore people by March 2026. Under the new system, Provident Fund (PF) account holders will be able to resolve grievances and claims at any EPFO office nationwide, regardless of where their PF account is registered. This will eliminate the need for employees to visit only their designated regional office. Pilot Launched in Delhi; Regional Restrictions to End Speaking at the inauguration of EPFO’s new Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan in Vatva, Gujarat, the minister said that a pilot project for the single-window system has already been launched in Delhi. Earlier, employees were required to approach only the EPFO office linked to their employer for claims and dispute resolution. With the integration of modern digital technology, EPFO services are now being made fully connected and technology-driven, enabling members to access services from the nearest EPFO office in any city. ‘EPF Facility Providers’ to Assist Workers To support employees who are not digitally savvy or are enrolling in the Provident Fund system for the first time, the government will soon introduce ‘EPF Facility Providers’. These authorized facilitators will assist workers in navigating the digital system, filing claims, and resolving issues. They will act as a bridge between citizens and EPFO, ensuring smoother and faster service delivery. Mission-Mode KYC for Inoperative EPF Accounts Millions of employees across the country have their EPF savings stuck in accounts that have been closed or remained inoperative for years. The Minister announced that the EPFO will now undertake KYC verification for such accounts in mission mode. To support this initiative, a dedicated digital platform will be launched. This platform will help identify account holders or their legal heirs and ensure that the rightful funds are returned in a secure and transparent manner. PF Savings Protected Even After Working Abroad India is now incorporating social security provisions into its Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The Minister explained that, similar to the India–UK agreement, future agreements with other countries will include clauses ensuring that Indian employees do not lose their provident fund savings when they return to India after working overseas. This means that PF contributions made abroad will remain accessible, and employees will be able to claim their deposits and related benefits even after returning to India. ₹28 Lakh Crore Corpus Backed by Government Guarantee Highlighting the financial strength of EPFO, the Minister stated that the organization currently manages a fund corpus of ₹28 lakh crore and offers an annual interest rate of 8.25%. He assured members that EPF deposits are completely secure, as they are backed by the government guarantee. Target: Social Security Coverage for 100 Crore Citizens by 2026 The Minister noted that before 2014, only 19% of India’s population was covered under social security schemes. This coverage has now increased to 64%, with 94 crore people currently benefiting from some form of social security. “After China, India is the second-largest country in the world. Our aim is to extend social security coverage to 100 crore citizens by March 2026,” he said. ​