However, in recent years we have seen EPFO undergoing metamorphosis from an ugly caterpillar to a beautiful butterfly.
Some of the path-breaking changes implemented / to-be-implement soon include the following:
- You can now check your PF account balance online in a few simple steps (Read 'Have you checked your Employee Provident Fund (EPF) Account balance?')
- It is now possible to even download the e-passbook of your account from EPFO's website (Read 'Download your Employees Provident Fund (EPF) E-Passbook')
- Requests for transfer of account from the old to the new employer can be submitted and tracked online
- The timeline for clearing transfer / withdrawal requests is targeted at 3 days from 30 days earlier.
- EPFO will be responsible to verify the details of the your account with your previous employer.
- In fact, in a few months, the need to transfer accounts would totally vanish, as EPFO proposes to allot a permanent or Universal Account Number. Since the account number will not change with the change in employment, transfers would become redundant.
- In a few months time, 100% of the payments from PF would be made electronically to the bank accounts. In other words, no cheques.
- Redress against any grievance can be sought by lodging an online complaint
- Life becomes easy for employers too, with many activities shifted to online mode
Of course, there would be the usual initial hiccups that come with any change... especially the one so monumental. Nevertheless it is a change for good and is surely welcome after years of sufferance.
