+
EPFO Launches Face Authentication for Instant UAN via UMANG
ECONOMY & POLICY

EPFO Launches Face Authentication for Instant UAN via UMANG

In a significant digital push, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enabled Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) on the UMANG mobile app. This step, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aims to simplify and digitise the UAN process for crores of Indian employees, ensuring real-time, error-free onboarding into the EPFO system.

Digital Breakthrough for UAN Access Traditionally, UANs were generated by employers, often marred by data entry errors in names, mobile numbers, and birth dates. These inaccuracies not only caused delays in service access but also left many employees unaware of their own UANs. Activation was a separate step using Aadhaar OTP, resulting in confusion.

In FY 2024–25 alone, out of 12.6 million UANs allotted, only 4.47 million (35.3%) were activated by employees.

What’s New? EPFO’s new process now allows employees to directly generate and activate their UAN via face authentication using the UMANG app, bypassing employer dependency. Key features include:

100% Aadhaar validation using facial biometrics.

Direct data retrieval from the Aadhaar database.

Automatic matching of the Aadhaar-linked mobile number.

Simultaneous UAN activation during generation.

Instant download of the e-UAN card.

Immediate access to EPFO services like passbook, KYC, and claims.

The step-by-step process involves installing the UMANG App and AadhaarFaceRD App, entering Aadhaar and OTP, followed by live facial capture. Upon successful verification, the UAN is generated and sent via SMS, with the e-UAN card downloadable instantly.

Higher Security, Greater Independence The use of biometric face authentication offers higher security than OTP or demographic methods, ensuring a tamper-proof entry into EPFO systems. This also enables self-service for members, reducing dependence on employers or regional offices.

Existing members with unactivated UANs can also now activate them easily via the app.

Employers Urged to Adapt EPFO has urged employers to adopt the FAT-based method for error-free, efficient employee onboarding. They are encouraged to assist new hires in using this face authentication service for smooth UAN generation.

Doorstep Services for Pensioners In another initiative, EPFO will collaborate with My Bharat volunteers to offer digital life certificate services (Jeevan Pramaan) using Face Authentication, bringing pension services to beneficiaries’ doorsteps.

This move signifies a major step in India’s march towards seamless and inclusive digital governance in social security services.

In a significant digital push, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has enabled Universal Account Number (UAN) generation and activation through Aadhaar-based Face Authentication Technology (FAT) on the UMANG mobile app. This step, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, aims to simplify and digitise the UAN process for crores of Indian employees, ensuring real-time, error-free onboarding into the EPFO system. Digital Breakthrough for UAN Access Traditionally, UANs were generated by employers, often marred by data entry errors in names, mobile numbers, and birth dates. These inaccuracies not only caused delays in service access but also left many employees unaware of their own UANs. Activation was a separate step using Aadhaar OTP, resulting in confusion. In FY 2024–25 alone, out of 12.6 million UANs allotted, only 4.47 million (35.3%) were activated by employees. What’s New? EPFO’s new process now allows employees to directly generate and activate their UAN via face authentication using the UMANG app, bypassing employer dependency. Key features include: 100% Aadhaar validation using facial biometrics. Direct data retrieval from the Aadhaar database. Automatic matching of the Aadhaar-linked mobile number. Simultaneous UAN activation during generation. Instant download of the e-UAN card. Immediate access to EPFO services like passbook, KYC, and claims. The step-by-step process involves installing the UMANG App and AadhaarFaceRD App, entering Aadhaar and OTP, followed by live facial capture. Upon successful verification, the UAN is generated and sent via SMS, with the e-UAN card downloadable instantly. Higher Security, Greater Independence The use of biometric face authentication offers higher security than OTP or demographic methods, ensuring a tamper-proof entry into EPFO systems. This also enables self-service for members, reducing dependence on employers or regional offices. Existing members with unactivated UANs can also now activate them easily via the app. Employers Urged to Adapt EPFO has urged employers to adopt the FAT-based method for error-free, efficient employee onboarding. They are encouraged to assist new hires in using this face authentication service for smooth UAN generation. Doorstep Services for Pensioners In another initiative, EPFO will collaborate with My Bharat volunteers to offer digital life certificate services (Jeevan Pramaan) using Face Authentication, bringing pension services to beneficiaries’ doorsteps. This move signifies a major step in India’s march towards seamless and inclusive digital governance in social security services.

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

Bihar Launches Rs 53.4 Billion Green Energy Plan

The Bihar government has taken a major stride towards clean energy with the launch of two new policies and the signing of agreements totalling Rs 53.4 billion. These initiatives aim to generate 2,357 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy through solar, wind, battery storage, and other sustainable technologies.The Bihar Renewable Energy Policy 2025 and the Pump Storage Policy 2025 were officially introduced at an event in Patna. Designed to attract significant investment, the policies seek to position Bihar as a key centre for clean energy projects. Energy Minister Bijendra Prasad Yadav stated tha..

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

Bids Invited for Rs 62.5 Billion Vizag Metro Project

The long-anticipated Visakhapatnam Metro Project has made significant progress, with the Andhra Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation inviting bids for the first civil contract under Phase 1 of the Vizag Metro. The estimated cost of this contract is Rs 62.5 billion.This engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract covers the design and construction of a 46.23 km viaduct spanning three corridors, including a 20.16 km double-decker four-lane flyover cum metro viaduct. The project also comprises 42 elevated metro stations across Visakhapatnam.Recently, SYSTRA Consultancy signed a Memorandum ..

Next Story
Real Estate

Oberoi Realty to Buy Hotel Horizon for Rs 9.19 Billion

A consortium led by Mumbai-listed Oberoi Realty Ltd is set to acquire debt-laden Hotel Horizon Pvt Ltd in Juhu, Mumbai for Rs 9.19 billion (approximately USD 107 million) under a resolution plan approved through India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC).In a filing to the stock exchange, Oberoi Realty confirmed that the Committee of Creditors of Hotel Horizon had approved the resolution plan, following which a letter of intent was issued. The consortium also includes Shree Naman Developers and JM Financial Properties.As per the resolution plan, the consortium will make a payment of Rs 9.1..

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?