Summary:
- EPFO launches face authentication feature for generating and activating Universal Account Number (UAN).
- The new measure is part of the broader EPFO 2.0 initiative to simplify and digitize social security processes.
- This advancement enhances ease of access to EPFO services, especially for employees in remote and rural areas.
- The move aims to accelerate UAN activation and ensure seamless onboarding of new subscribers to EPFO schemes.
Detailed Report:
In a major step toward digital transformation, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced face authentication as a method to generate and activate the Universal Account Number (UAN) for new subscribers. The latest move, announced under the broader EPFO 2.0 reform initiative, aims to streamline onboarding processes and significantly improve the accessibility and efficiency of EPFO services.
This feature allows employees subscribing to EPFO’s social security schemes to generate their UAN using biometric face recognition, eliminating the need for physical documents and in-person verification at EPFO offices. The initiative is designed to enhance the ease of living for millions of workers across India, particularly those in rural or underserved areas who may have limited access to conventional documentation or digital tools.
EPFO 2.0 is a comprehensive digital transformation program focused on simplifying procedures, reducing paperwork, and enhancing user experience. Over the past month, the organization has unveiled a series of tech-driven reforms aimed at ensuring faster service delivery, transparency, and better compliance support for employers and employees.
Key Advantages of Face Authentication for UAN:
- Faster UAN Generation: Employees can activate their UAN instantly from any location, bypassing long wait times and manual verification delays.
- Improved Accessibility: Particularly beneficial for workers in informal sectors or those without digital literacy or documentation, enabling broader inclusion.
- Enhanced Security: Biometric face verification adds an extra layer of identity authentication, reducing the risk of fraud or duplicate accounts.
- Paperless and Contactless: Promotes green practices and reduces administrative burden on EPFO offices.
Speaking on the development, an EPFO official stated, “This measure is a part of our vision to create a digitally empowered social security platform that is inclusive and efficient. Face authentication offers a user-friendly, secure solution to help workers access their entitlements without bureaucratic hurdles.”
With over 27 crore subscribers, EPFO is one of the world’s largest social security organizations. The integration of AI-driven face recognition technology into its service offerings represents a paradigm shift in India’s public sector digital initiatives, placing convenience, speed, and inclusivity at the forefront.
Industry analysts believe that such steps could set the precedent for other government bodies to adopt AI-based identity solutions in service delivery, leading to greater digital inclusion and financial security for India’s vast working population.
The face authentication system is currently being rolled out and will be made available across EPFO service portals and mobile applications. Employers and employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new system and take advantage of the simplified UAN generation process.
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