The Central Government has already issued directions to Ministries/Departments to ensure payments of Subsidy/Incentive to the beneficiaries of the welfare schemes through Aadhaar Payment Bridge and ensuring 100% Biometric Aadhaar Authentication. To ensure that maximum number of employers and employees benefit from the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme announced in Union Budget 2024-25, the Ministry of Labour & Employment has directed EPFO to work in a campaign mode with Employers and ensure activation of Universal Account Number (UAN) of employees. EPFO will involve their zonal and regional offices for effective outreach.

Using Aadhaar as an identity document simplifies government delivery processes, enhances transparency and efficiency, and ensures beneficiaries receive their entitlements seamlessly. Aadhaar-based verification eliminates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one's identity.

In the first stage, employers are required to complete the process of UAN activation through Aadhaar-based OTP for all their employees joining in the current financial year by 30th November 2024, starting with the latest joinees. They must then complete the process for all employees working with them.

UAN activation provides employees with seamless access to EPFO’s comprehensive online services, enabling them to efficiently manage their Provident Fund (PF) accounts, view and download PF passbooks, submit online claims for withdrawals, advances, or transfers, update personal details, and track claims in real time. This allows employees 24/7 access to EPFO services from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to EPFO offices.

The activation process can be completed using an Aadhaar-based OTP (One-Time Password). Employers should ensure that their employees activate the UAN by following the steps given below:

1. Go to EPFO Member Portal.
2. Click on the "Activate UAN" link under "Important Links".
3. Enter UAN, Aadhaar number, name, DOB, and Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
4. Employees should ensure their mobile number is Aadhaar-linked to access the full range of EPFO’s digital services
5. Agree to Aadhaar OTP verification.
6. Click "Get Authorization PIN" to receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-linked mobile number.
7. Enter the OTP to complete the activation
8. A password will be sent to your registered mobile number upon successful activation.

In the second stage, going forward, UAN activation will include the state-of-the-art facility of Biometric authentication, through Face-recognition Technology.

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Shuhaib T