EPFO Launches Face Authentication for Instant UAN via UMANG

10 Apr 2025 CW Team

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.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..