NEW DELHI – The government has announced a set of reforms for the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), promising easier access to services and faster claim settlements. But for many members, who have long struggled with delays, broken online systems and unresponsive grievance redressal, the proof will lie in delivery.
Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said all key services, including provident fund passbooks, will now be available through a single login.
A new feature called Passbook Lite has been added to the member portal, allowing users to view contributions, withdrawals and balances in a simplified format without navigating multiple sites.
Officials said the initiative is expected to reduce complaints and improve user experience. “This approach ensures greater ease of access while enhancing operational efficiency,” the ministry said.
However, employees have in the past complained of portals that frequently crash, passwords that don’t work and customer service that offers little help when funds are delayed.
Another change is the direct availability of Annexure K, the certificate generated when employees transfer their provident fund accounts between jobs. Until now, this document circulated only between PF offices and reached members only on request.
Making it downloadable is aimed at improving transparency in fund transfers, which often drag on for months.
The government has also reduced approval layers for claims, delegating powers from senior officers to assistant commissioners and junior staff.
Officials said this will lead to quicker settlements of transfers, advances and refunds, areas where delays have been the most visible pain point.
EPFO manages retirement savings for over 27 crore members, but its services have often been criticised for inefficiency and delays.
Claimants often wait weeks or months to see their money, with grievances piling up despite repeated announcements of reform. Whether the latest measures will change that remains to be seen.
