Aadhaar made mandatory for receiving benefits under EPS

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in its notification dated January 4, 2017, has made it mandatory to furnish the proof of Aadhaar number to avail pension and other benefits for its the existing members and pensioners under the Employees Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995. Those who have enrolled for an Aadhaar number, but are yet to receive the same, can provide the Aadhaar enrolment ID.

A member or a pensioner who has not enroled for the Aadhaar number yet is required to enrol for the same by January 31, 2017 at their nearest enrolment centres. In case of non-availabliltiy of enrolment centres, the EPFO is required to create enrolment facilities at convenient locations.

Any member or an individual who has not received the Aadhaar number or is yet to enrol for it can provide the following documents to continue to receive the benefits under the scheme:

1. Identity certificate issued by the employer or the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) with the Universal Account Number (UAN).
2. Aadhaar enrolment ID of the member/pensioner or a copy of the request made for the Aadhaar enrolment.
3. A copy of any of the following:
(i) Voter ID card
(ii) PAN card
(iii) Passport
(iv) Driving License
(v) Certificate of the identity proof having photo of the member issued by a gazetted officer or a tehsildar on an official letterhead
(vi) Any other document specified by the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF).

The above documents will be checked by an officer specifically designated by the EPFO through its field offices and their networks.

The ministry, while issuing the notification, said that Aadhaar as an identity document brings in transparency and efficiency for the delivery of services and benefits by the Central Government. Also, it obviates the need for producing multiple documents to prove one's identity.

The ministry will undertake some arrangements to help provide convenient and hassle-free benefits to its members. It will advise its members, through media publicity, about the mandatory requirement of Aadhaar for the purpose of availing benefits under the EPS, 1995.