Mandaviya Announces Sweeping EPFO Reforms, Targets Universal Social Security Coverage by March 2026
Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates the newly constructed Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at Vatva in Gujarat on Friday.
Ahmedabad, December 27: Union Minister for Labour and Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday announced a series of far-reaching reforms aimed at transforming the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation into a modern, technology-driven, citizen-centric institution, as he inaugurated the newly constructed Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) at Vatva in Gujarat.
Addressing officials, public representatives and stakeholders, Mandaviya said the new EPFO building was not merely an administrative facility but an “aastha ka kendra”—a centre of trust for workers. He highlighted EPFO’s role in safeguarding the savings of millions of workers, noting that the organisation currently manages a corpus of ₹28 lakh crore and offers an annual interest rate of 8.25 percent. “When workers’ money is with EPFO, it carries the guarantee of the Government of India,” he said.
Technology-enabled, citizen-first EPFO
Outlining upcoming reforms, Mandaviya said EPFO offices across the country are being redeveloped into modern, single-window service centres on the lines of passport seva kendras. Under this system, members will be able to resolve any EPF-related issue at any regional office, irrespective of where their account is maintained. A pilot project is already underway in Delhi, and the model will be scaled nationwide.
To further improve access, especially for first-time users and workers unfamiliar with digital platforms, the minister announced the introduction of Authorised EPF Suvidha Providers. These facilitators will guide members in accessing benefits and resolving grievances, acting as a bridge between citizens and EPFO.
Unlocking money in inoperative accounts
Mandaviya also announced a mission-mode KYC verification drive to return workers’ funds locked in inoperative EPF accounts due to documentation or accessibility issues. A dedicated digital platform will be launched to simplify claim filing and ensure faster, hassle-free settlements to rightful claimants.
In a significant policy move, the minister said India’s future Free Trade Agreements will incorporate social security protection clauses. These provisions will allow Indian workers employed abroad to retain provident fund benefits and access them even after returning to India, similar to arrangements under the India-UK FTA.
Expanding India’s social security net
Highlighting the government’s broader social security agenda under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mandaviya said India’s social security coverage has expanded sharply over the past decade. “Before 2014, only 19 percent of India’s population was covered under social security. Today, coverage has reached 64 percent,” he said, citing recognition from global bodies such as the International Labour Organisation and the International Social Security Association.
Currently, around 94 crore people are covered under social security schemes, making India the world’s second-largest system after China. “By March 2026, we will bring 100 crore citizens under the social security net,” Mandaviya announced.
Employment, growth and EPFO reforms
The minister said EPFO has already simplified several processes, including automatic settlement of claims up to ₹5 lakh, easier withdrawals of up to 75 percent of EPF balances, seamless account transfers, and nationwide portability of grievance redressal. He linked these reforms to India’s post-pandemic economic resilience, noting an 8.25 percent growth rate and an unemployment rate of 3.2 percent.
During the event, Mandaviya also felicitated establishments contributing significantly to job creation under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, which aims to incentivise the creation of 3.5 crore jobs over the next two years.
New Vatva facility
The new Bhavishya Nidhi Bhawan at Vatva, built at a cost of about ₹10.12 crore, will serve EPFO subscribers across six districts of Gujarat. Equipped with eco-friendly features such as solar power, rainwater harvesting and barrier-free access, the facility is strategically located near major transport links to enhance accessibility and service delivery.
Mandaviya said the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to dignity, security and ease of service for India’s workforce, adding that EPFO will continue to evolve as a cornerstone of the country’s social security architecture.
