By Rohini Sridharan
In a major digital overhaul, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a single login portal and additionally introduced a brand new feature, named “Passbook Lite,” to ensure easy access and wider reach, which is estimated to benefit around seven crores of subscribers.
On 18th September, Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced these changes. He informed us that this is a part of a broader effort to streamline device delivery, improve accessibility, allow transparency, and reduce user grievances. Earlier subscribers had to log into different portals for various PF-related services. Now with a unified login system on the EPFO member portal, users can access essential services like checking contributions, downloading documents, and applying for claims all in one place.
The new “Passbook Lite” fetches the users a summary of all the PF transactions in an effortless format, imbibed within the member portal. While the traditional detailed passbook with charts and breakdowns remains available, this lighter version offers convenience for users who want a quick glance without navigating multiple pages.
This also allows users to navigate and download Annexure K, which is widely used for transferring PF accounts between employers, without needing to raise a request. This facilitates the users tracking transfer status, check balance updates, and safely store their records
In another significant action, EPFO has reduced down the bureaucratic hierarchy in the claims process. Services that previously required higher-level authoritative approval have now been delegated to lower-ranking officers. This is launched with an expectation to speed up the process of approvals of settlements, transfers, and other services.
These changes reflect a major move towards making PF services more user-friendly and technology-driven. By focusing on the needs of members and cutting down on delays, EPFO is working to make the entire experience smoother, faster, and more transparent for the millions of people who rely on these services.