EPFO WhatsApp Service Launched to Check PF Balance and Passbook

EPFO WhatsApp Service

Summary

Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya launched an EPFO WhatsApp service on Sunday that lets subscribers see their PF balance, passbook and latest transactions. The retirement fund body also began automatic settlement of inoperative EPF accounts holding up to Rs 1,000, without individual claims.

Key Highlights

  • The EPFO WhatsApp service is a verified platform for balance, passbook and recent transactions.
  • It also offers guidance on the Employment Linked Incentive scheme.
  • Aadhaar-verified inoperative accounts with up to Rs 1,000 will be settled automatically.
  • The change is expected to cover about one lakh accounts and Rs 5 crore.

What Happened?

Mandaviya announced the measures on Sunday, 1 November, at the EPFO’s 74th Foundation Day event. Subscribers can now use WhatsApp to check their PF balance and view their passbook, along with personalised help on the Employment Linked Incentive scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana. Separately, eligible inoperative EPF accounts will be settled after the usual identity and bank-account verification.

Why is it Important?

EPFO has over 34 crore total members and more than 8 crore active subscribers, so even small service changes reach a lot of people. The Ministry of Labour and Employment said the WhatsApp service will make routine services easier to use and cut the need to visit EPFO offices. For small inoperative accounts, subscribers will no longer have to file claims themselves.

Impact and Implications

The automatic settlement is expected to benefit around one lakh accounts holding Rs 5 crore in total, a small fraction of the roughly Rs 32 lakh crore the EPFO manages. The value for the people concerned is still real, since the money goes to rightful beneficiaries without paperwork. Mandaviya said social security should be driven by human sensitivity. Labour Secretary Chandra Bhushan Kumar said reforms must reach workers in the unorganised sector as well, and called on officials to prioritise ease of living.

What Happens Next?

Mandaviya asked officials to focus on worker-centric innovation in the run-up to the EPFO’s 75th year. The report does not say when subscribers can start using the WhatsApp number or how it will be advertised.