Sat Jan 17 07:40:00 UTC 2026: ### EPFO to Allow UPI Withdrawals, Benefiting 80 Million Subscribers

The Story:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is reportedly working on a system to allow subscribers to withdraw a portion of their Provident Fund (PF) via UPI (Unified Payments Interface). According to a senior official, this facility, which will enable direct transfers to subscribers’ bank accounts, is expected to be launched by April of this year. The new system will allow subscribers to see the amount available for UPI withdrawal, enhancing convenience and reducing processing time.

Key Points:

  • EPFO is developing a system where a portion of the EPF will be blocked, while the remaining part will be accessible for withdrawal via UPI.
  • Subscribers will use their linked UPI PIN for transactions, ensuring a secure and streamlined transfer process.
  • An estimated 80 million EPFO subscribers are expected to benefit from this initiative.
  • The current auto-settlement system processes withdrawal claims electronically within three days, with a limit of ₹5 lakh.
  • EPFO processes over 5 crore claims annually, predominantly related to EPF withdrawals.
  • The UPI-based system will eliminate the need for subscribers to file withdrawal claims, reducing the workload on EPFO.

Key Takeaways:

  • The introduction of UPI withdrawals represents a significant step towards modernizing EPFO services and improving subscriber convenience.
  • The new system is expected to substantially reduce processing times and administrative burdens associated with EPF withdrawals.
  • By leveraging UPI, EPFO aims to provide a secure and user-friendly platform for subscribers to access their funds.
  • This move aligns with the government’s vision of streamlining EPFO services and making them more accessible to subscribers.

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