What is the story about?
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, has simplified its joint declaration process by recognising transgender identity certificates issued via the National Portal for Transgender Persons as valid proof for updating name and gender in EPF records.
This move allows members to correct or update their personal details in EPFO records more efficiently, reflecting a step towards inclusivity in India’s social security system. The update was formalised in a circular and is effective across all EPFO regional offices.
Key highlights of the simplified process:
Members can submit the required documents online through Digilocker or as a single PDF where digital submission is not feasible.
A minimum of two supporting documents is needed unless submitted through Digilocker, which may require only one document.
Employers can file requests online on behalf of employees in cases where members cannot submit online requests themselves, including cases of deceased members.
A wide range of documents is accepted for verification, including passports, PAN cards, voter ID, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and the newly included transgender identity certificate.
The EPFO update also clarifies procedures for updating other personal details such as date of birth, marital status, nationality, and parental information. For members without a UAN or Aadhaar validation, the system will generate or link UANs as needed to ensure records are accurate.
The change reflects EPFO’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and ensure that employees across India can maintain accurate and up-to-date records with minimal procedural hurdles.
What it means for employees:
This update is expected to make it easier for transgender individuals and other EPF members to ensure their records are correct, facilitating smoother access to benefits such as retirement savings, pension schemes, and withdrawals..
This move allows members to correct or update their personal details in EPFO records more efficiently, reflecting a step towards inclusivity in India’s social security system. The update was formalised in a circular and is effective across all EPFO regional offices.
Key highlights of the simplified process:
Members can submit the required documents online through Digilocker or as a single PDF where digital submission is not feasible.
A minimum of two supporting documents is needed unless submitted through Digilocker, which may require only one document.
Employers can file requests online on behalf of employees in cases where members cannot submit online requests themselves, including cases of deceased members.
A wide range of documents is accepted for verification, including passports, PAN cards, voter ID, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and the newly included transgender identity certificate.
The EPFO update also clarifies procedures for updating other personal details such as date of birth, marital status, nationality, and parental information. For members without a UAN or Aadhaar validation, the system will generate or link UANs as needed to ensure records are accurate.
The change reflects EPFO’s ongoing efforts to streamline processes and ensure that employees across India can maintain accurate and up-to-date records with minimal procedural hurdles.
What it means for employees:
This update is expected to make it easier for transgender individuals and other EPF members to ensure their records are correct, facilitating smoother access to benefits such as retirement savings, pension schemes, and withdrawals..
