Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has announced that the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) will launch an upgraded version of its software, named EPFO 3.0, by June 2025. The new system will offer enhanced efficiency, comparable to banking systems, and will feature a more user-friendly website interface.
Along with the software upgrade, EPFO will start issuing ATM cards to its members. This will allow subscribers to access their Provident Fund (PF) savings more easily in case of emergencies or unexpected expenses. The first phase of the website and system updates is expected to be completed by the end of January 2025.
EPFO 3.0 aims to improve the overall experience for EPF members by making it more accessible and efficient. One of the key features will be enabling members to withdraw a portion of their PF savings through ATMs. As per recent announcements, members will be able to withdraw up to 50% of their total balance through ATM cards.
In addition to the ATM card feature, EPFO is exploring a new scheme that will offer more flexibility for pension contributions. Employees may soon have the option to contribute more or less than the current mandatory 12% to the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). Currently, both the employee and employer contribute 12% of the employee’s basic salary and allowances to the EPF, with the employer’s contribution split between the EPF and EPS. The government also contributes 1.16% towards pensions for employees earning less than Rs 15,000.
The introduction of EPFO 3.0 and the issuance of ATM cards will make it easier for employees to manage their retirement funds. These updates reflect the government’s commitment to improving the EPFO services and enhancing financial flexibility for workers across India.
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Published on: Jan 6, 2025, 1:12 PM IST
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