Aadhaar Becomes Mandatory Under the Employees Pension Schemes,1995

Aadhaar Requirement for Employees Pension Scheme Benefits: Government Notification

In accordance with Section 7 of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits, and Services) Act, 2016, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, on January 4, 2017, mandated Aadhaar as a compulsory requirement for availing contributions and subsidies under the Employees Pension Scheme, 1995, provided by the Central Government.

Key Provisions of the Notification

1. Aadhaar Requirement for Pensioners and Members

Members and pensioners of the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS) who wish to continue receiving benefits under the scheme, including the Central Government contribution and subsidy, must:

• Furnish proof of possessing an Aadhaar number or
• Undergo Aadhaar authentication as per the procedure laid down by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for seamless and efficient identification.

2. Aadhaar Enrolment for Non-Registered Members

EPS members and pensioners who are not yet enrolled for Aadhaar must:

• Apply for Aadhaar enrolment by January 31, 2017, if eligible under Section 3 of the Aadhaar Act.
• Visit any Aadhaar enrolment centre (a list is available at www.uidai.gov.in) to complete the enrolment process.

Alternative Identification Until Aadhaar is Issued

Until an Aadhaar number is assigned, EPS members will continue receiving Central Government contributions and subsidies based on alternative identification methods, subject to verification by EPFO.

The following documents must be submitted:

(a) Identity Proof (Any One of the Following):

1. Employer/EPFO Identity Certificate (as per the format specified by the Ministry of Labour and Employment) with the Unique Account Number (UAN).
2. Aadhaar Enrolment ID Slip (if already enrolled).
3. Copy of the Aadhaar enrolment request (as specified under Paragraph 2(2)).

(b) Additional Proof of Identity (Any One of the Following):

1. Voter Identity Card (issued by the Election Commission of India).
2. PAN Card (issued by the Income Tax Department).
3. Passport.
4. Driving License (issued under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988).
5. Certificate of Identity with a Photograph (issued by a Gazetted Officer or Tehsildar on an official letterhead).
6. Any other document as specified by the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

Verification Process

• The submitted documents will be verified by a designated officer of the EPFO through its field offices.

3. Measures to Facilitate Aadhaar Enrolment

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, the EPFO is required to take the following steps:

1. Awareness and Publicity

   • Wide publicity through media and individual notices to inform EPS members about the Aadhaar requirement.
   • Employers should advise non-enrolled members to enroll at the nearest Aadhaar centre in their Block, Tehsil, or Taluka by January 31, 2017.
   • A list of locally available Aadhaar enrolment centres should be provided to members.

2. Setting Up Aadhaar Enrolment Facilities

   • If no Aadhaar enrolment centre is available in a Block, Tehsil, or Taluka, the EPFO must establish enrolment facilities at convenient locations.
   • Members or pensioners who cannot enroll due to the unavailability of Aadhaar centres may register their request by:
     • Providing their name, membership number, address, and mobile number on the EPFO web portal.
     • Registering their request through EPFO field offices, as per Regulation 12 of the Aadhaar (Enrolment and Update) Regulations, 2016.
   • The EPFO will ensure enrolment facilities are made available at suitable locations for such members.

The notification reinforces the government’s initiative to streamline pension and benefit disbursement by linking it with Aadhaar authentication. The EPFO has been tasked with ensuring effective implementation by conducting awareness campaigns and facilitating enrolment, ensuring that EPS members and pensioners continue to receive uninterrupted benefits.