There’s good news for EPFO members — several services can now be accessed using face authentication.
Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced on Tuesday that employees can now generate their Universal Account Number (UAN) using facial recognition, making EPFO services more convenient and digital.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has launched advanced digital features to issue and activate UAN through face authentication technology.
This is a big step towards secure, contactless, and fully digital services for millions of members.
Along with this, the minister also notified six districts of Bihar — Araria, Saharsa, Aurangabad, Banka, East Champaran, and Gopalganj — under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
This move will extend social security coverage to around 24,000 more workers in these areas.
UAN Can Now Be Created Through UMANG App
Using the UMANG mobile app, employees can generate UAN with the help of Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT). Employers can also use this app to generate UAN for their new employees.
To generate a UAN:
Open the UMANG app.
Follow the steps under UAN issuance using face authentication.
After Aadhaar-based verification, the UAN will be generated and sent via SMS to the mobile number linked with Aadhaar.
Once UAN is created, employees can download the UAN card either from the UMANG app or the EPFO member portal.
This method ensures 100% Aadhaar validation and a secure user experience through face authentication.
Easier Activation for Existing Users Too
Employees who already have a UAN but haven’t activated it can now activate it easily using the UMANG app.
This method is more secure than earlier options like OTP or demographic verification, as it uses biometric face authentication.
More Self-Service Options Coming Soon
This secure system will make it easier for members to access various EPFO services on their own, without visiting employers or EPFO offices.
The minister also mentioned that in the future, EPFO will promote Digital Life Certificate (Jeevan Pramaan) using face authentication.
With help from MY Bharat volunteers, even pensioners will be able to complete this process from home.
