New Delhi: Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on August 13, 2024, launched a new online facility for the surrender of exemptions from the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme in New Delhi. The launch event also saw the presence of Sumita Dawra, Secretary of Labour and Employment, Neelam Shami Rao, Central PF Commissioner, and other officials.
Dr Mandaviya highlighted that this online facility is the first of six modules under the EPFO Central IT System 2.01, implemented ahead of schedule. He noted that the new system would significantly reduce time and effort by allowing online submission and validation of applications, as well as the transfer of past accumulations of members. This replaces the previous system, which required physical submission of voluminous documents, and now enables establishments to track their applications using a tracking ID. The facility is expected to benefit at least 1 lakh members across 70 establishments, facilitating the transfer of nearly ₹1,000 crores in accumulated funds as surrender requests are processed.
The Union Minister also stated that EPFO has introduced several initiatives to address current issues, with more improvements planned for the near future. He emphasised the need for further simplification of processes to enhance member ease and timely implementation of new IT systems within this calendar year. Mandaviya urged officials to develop timely solutions to present challenges while maintaining a forward-looking vision.
Dr Mandaviya also reviewed the IT interventions, including the new EPFO Central IT System 2.01, expressing satisfaction with the readiness of the facilities for the seamless implementation of the Employee Life Insurance (ELI) schemes announced in the Union Budget. Additionally, he reviewed plans for a new Integrated Grievance Management System and directed efforts towards incorporating newer technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, into EPFO’s IT system.
In the past two years, 27 companies have surrendered their exemptions, adding ₹1,688.82 crores and 30,000 employees to the provident fund under the EPFO, a reflection of improved services and benefits provided by the organisation. This shift indicates growing confidence among stakeholders in EPFO’s service and benefit delivery /BI
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