As per EPFO New Update, Aadhar is just a basic identity document, says EPFO. Learn why Aadhar card has been removed as a valid document for birth verification.
The Employment Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has taken a crucial decision. It has removed 'Aadhaar' from the list of documents to be submitted by its subscribers for their birth verification. Henceforth, Aadhaar will be considered as a primary identity card only. The EPFO disclosed that this decision has been taken on the orders of the Unique Regulatory Authority of India (UIDAI).
Aadhaar is not considered as a birth certificate
In a surprising move that has caught the attention of both employers and employees (Employee Benefits) across the country, the Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has recently announced a significant update to its policies regarding birth verification. As of January 2024, Aadhar, the unique identification number issued by the government, will no longer be considered a valid document for verifying an individual's date of birth when enrolling for EPF (Employees' Provident Fund) schemes. This decision marks a departure from the previous practice and has raised questions about the implications and rationale behind this new development.
EPFO's Bold Move - Aadhar No Longer Valid for Birth Verification:
In a circular issued on 16th of January, 2024, the Central Provident Fund Commissioner said that 'Aadhaar' is not valid for submission of birth certificate by EPFO subscribers. Therefore, EPFO has disclosed that it cannot change the date of birth of its subscribers on the basis of Aadhaar.
The Reason Behind EPFO's Decision:
The EPFO's decision to remove Aadhar from the list of birth verification documents stems from concerns regarding the authenticity and reliability of the Aadhar system. The organization believes that relying solely on Aadhar for verifying an individual's date of birth may lead to inaccuracies and potential instances of fraud. While Aadhar has proven to be an effective tool for identification purposes in various domains, the EPFO aims to streamline its own verification process by exploring alternative methods.
Courts have also not considered Aadhaar as a birth certificate
Courts have ruled in several cases that Aadhaar cannot be considered as a birth certificate. Hence, if the birth certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths is not available, these documents can be submitted.
What alternative methods can be used for birth verification:
With the removal of Aadhar as a valid birth verification document, the EPFO has introduced a revised set of documents that can be submitted for this purpose. The organization now accepts documents such as birth certificates issued by the Municipal Corporation or Gram Panchayat, school leaving certificates, or any other government-issued document that contains the verified date of birth. This move is aimed at ensuring greater accuracy and reducing the chances of fraudulent claims.
What documents should be submitted for Verification?
- A birth certificate from the Office of the Registrar of Births and Deaths,
- Certificate based on records of Central, State Government, Private Service Organizations,
- List of marks issued by a government recognized educational institution or university,
- SSC Certificate (name, date of birth details if any),
- School or College Transfer Certificate (TC),
- Pension Payment Certificate issued by Central and State Governments,
- Residence Certificate issued by Govt.
- pan card,
- passport,
- Medical certificate issued by Civil Surgeon.
Impact on Employers and Employees:
While the EPFO's decision to remove Aadhar from the list of birth verification documents may initially cause some confusion and inconvenience, it ultimately aims to strengthen the integrity of the EPF scheme. Employers will now need to update their processes and educate their employees about the new requirements for birth verification. Employees, on the other hand, will need to ensure that they possess the necessary documents to prove their date of birth when enrolling for EPF schemes or making any modifications to their accounts.
Challenges and Potential Benefits
The EPFO's decision to remove Aadhar as a birth verification document is not without its challenges. Many individuals across the country possess Aadhar cards as their primary form of identification, and this change may create additional burdensome processes for them.
However, this decision also presents an opportunity for the EPFO to enhance the accuracy of its database and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent claims. By accepting a wider range of government-issued documents, the EPFO aims to establish a more robust and reliable system for birth verification.
The EPFO's recent decision to remove Aadhar from the list of birth verification documents marks a significant development in its policies. While this change may pose some initial challenges for employers and employees, it reflects the EPFO's commitment to strengthening the integrity of the EPF scheme.
By exploring alternative methods of birth verification, the organization aims to enhance accuracy and reduce the chances of fraudulent claims. As employers and employees adapt to this new requirement, it is essential to ensure compliance with the revised guidelines to ensure a smooth transition and continued benefits under the EPF scheme.
