-EPFO is making the path easier for pensioners: Alok Yadav

New Delhi, November 26 (HS):The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has set up its pavilion for the first time at the India International Trade Fair (IITF), providing detailed information and resolving various issues faced by employees and employers related to provident fund matters. The pavilion, located in Hall No. 4, features a dedicated help desk offering multiple services to visitors.

The help desk provides information about pension schemes and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana, along with facilities such as online claim filing, KYC updates, UAN generation through facial authentication, and submission of digital life certificates for pensioners.

Speaking to Hindusthan Samachar, Regional Commissioner of EPFO, Alok Yadav, said that the organisation’s participation in the ongoing India International Trade Fair at Bharat Mandapam, from November 14 to 27, aims to enhance awareness among employees and employers.

“For the first time, EPFO has installed its pavilion, where dedicated help desks offer complete guidance related to EPF schemes, pension schemes, and the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana,” he explained.Yadav informed that EPFO recently re-launched the Employee Enrolment Scheme 2025 on November 1, a revival of the earlier 2017 initiative.

“Under this scheme, employees who joined or left their jobs after 2017, along with their employers, can be registered as members. Both can obtain necessary information specific to their requirements here,” he said.

Addressing queries about online claim-related issues, Yadav stated that the help desk is resolving difficulties faced by employees in updating KYC or filing claims online. “If someone faces issues while filing claims online, they can directly file them at our desk. Similarly, employees can also submit joint declaration forms online to correct any KYC-related details with our assistance. Our staff are here to ensure smooth help for all employees,” he added.

Yadav further mentioned that UAN generation has now been made mandatory through facial authentication technology, and the help desk offers on-the-spot assistance. “Our team helps visitors generate their UAN using their mobile devices on-site,” he said.On resolving pension-related concerns, Yadav explained that pensioners can gather comprehensive information regarding their pension plans at the help desks.

“We have also provided the facility for submission of digital life certificates. Our staff guide pensioners step by step through the process, ensuring they do not face any inconvenience in the future. It is a simple procedure that, once learned, enables them to assist others as well,” he added.

The Regional Commissioner highlighted that EPFO has been conducting various outreach initiatives such as the ‘Nidhi Aapke Nikat’ program launched two years ago. “Except for rare exceptions, we organise camps in almost every district across the country on the 27th of every month under this program,” he informed.

He further stated that with more than 5,000 exhibitors participating in this trade fair, including both employers covered under EPF schemes and their employees, the pavilion offers a significant opportunity for direct consultations.

“The trade fair has given our organisation access to lakhs of visitors, providing us with an excellent platform to spread awareness about EPFO’s services and facilities,” he noted.Yadav also shared that visitors can rate their experience at the help desk through two QR codes displayed at the pavilion.

To engage the public, the EPFO has also organised street plays, puppet shows, and a selfie point within the pavilion. Additionally, a painting corner has been arranged for children accompanying their families, where young participants receive small gifts for their artwork.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar