EPFO Mega Update: UAN Services Now Available via Face Authentication for Crores of Members
April 9, 2025 New Delhi, India In a landmark move to enhance accessibility and security for crores of Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) members, the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has introduced facial recognition technology for generating and activating Universal Account Numbers (UANs). This digital-first approach enables contactless, Aadhaar-based verification through the Umang mobile app, simplifying the entire UAN process.
Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya announced the development on Tuesday, marking a major milestone in the government’s digital transformation of social security services.
What’s New: Face Authentication for EPFO UAN Services
EPFO members can now:
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Generate UAN via the Umang app using Aadhaar Face Authentication Technology (FAT)
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Activate UAN without OTPs or biometric devices
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Download UAN card through Umang or the EPFO member portal
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Employers can also assign UANs to new hires via face authentication
This move eliminates the need for physical KYC verification, biometric fingerprinting, or OTP-based processes—streamlining access for millions across India.
“This is a big leap towards digital empowerment for workers. Face authentication ensures security and convenience at once,” said Minister Mandaviya.
How to Generate or Activate UAN via Face Authentication
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Open the Umang App (available on Android & iOS)
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Navigate to EPFO services
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Select UAN allotment/activation via face authentication
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Complete Aadhaar face scan using your smartphone camera
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Upon successful verification, the UAN is generated or activated
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The UAN is sent via SMS to the Aadhaar-linked mobile number
This process ensures 100% Aadhaar verification while offering greater privacy and convenience.
Expanded ESIC Coverage in Bihar
In addition to the EPFO announcement, Minister Mandaviya also shared that six new districts in Bihar—Araria, Saharsa, Aurangabad, Banka, East Champaran, and Gopalganj—are now covered under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
This expansion will provide social security benefits to nearly 24,000 more workers, covering medical care, maternity benefits, and employment injury compensation.
Why It Matters
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Face authentication is more secure than traditional biometric or OTP methods
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Enables access to EPFO services in rural and remote regions
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Reduces dependency on in-person visits or biometric infrastructure
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Aligns with the government’s Digital India mission
With this upgrade, EPFO strengthens its commitment to tech-driven social security, ensuring that both employers and employees benefit from seamless, paperless services.
