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.