NEW DELHI, Dec 11: The Labour Ministry is modernising its IT systems to offer better services to the nation’s vast workforce. Starting in 2025, Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) subscribers will be able to withdraw their provident funds directly from ATMs, Labour Secretary Sumita Dawra said on Wednesday.
“We are working to expedite claims processing and simplify the process to improve ease of living. Claimants, beneficiaries, or insured individuals will soon be able to access their claims with minimal human interaction via ATMs,” Dawra said.
“Systems are continually evolving, and you’ll notice significant improvements every two to three months. We expect major upgrades by January 2025,” she added.
The EPFO currently serves over 70 million active contributors. Dawra also highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to enhance EPFO services for greater ease of living.
Regarding the extension of social security benefits to gig workers, Dawra confirmed that progress is being made but withheld a timeline. “We’ve made considerable headway and outlined a scheme that’s now in its final stages,” she said. The proposed benefits could include health coverage, provident funds, and financial support for disabilities.
A committee with stakeholders from various sectors has been established to draft a framework for social security and welfare benefits for gig and platform workers. These workers were officially defined in the Code on Social Security, 2020, which Parliament passed, and provisions for their welfare are included in the Code.
(Manas Dasgupta)
