EPFO Sees 3-fold Rise In Smartphone DLC Submission In 2023-24

The EPFO reported that the 6.6 lakh facial scan-based DLCs in 2023-24 represent nearly 10 per cent of the total DLCs received throughout the year. In total, approximately 60 lakh DLCs were submitted

The number of EPS pensioners utilising Facial Authentication Technology-based Digital Life Certificates has surged more than threefold, reaching 6.6 lakh in 2023-24 from 2.1 lakh in 2022-23, according to data released by the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Saturday. This substantial increase reflects the technology's effectiveness and success.

The technology enables pensioners to verify their identity through a facial scan using a smartphone camera, allowing them to complete the submission of the Digital Life Certificate (DLC) from the comfort of their homes. This eliminates the need to visit banks or post offices for this purpose. The authentication process is conducted against the UIDAI’s Aadhaar database using UIDAI’s Face Recognition Application.

The EPFO reported that the 6.6 lakh facial scan-based DLCs in 2023-24 represent nearly 10 per cent of the total DLCs received throughout the year. In total, approximately 60 lakh DLCs were submitted by pensioners during the previous fiscal year.

EPFO oversees a pensioner base of over 78 lakh individuals, all of whom must annually submit a Life Certificate to ensure the uninterrupted disbursement of their pensions.

To use facial authentication, pensioners must install two applications, 'Aadhaar Face RD' and 'Jeevan Pramaan', on their smartphones. Operator authentication for these applications is conducted via Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers. Comprehensive guidelines within the apps ensure a successful face scan. Upon completion of the scan, the DLC submission is confirmed on the mobile screen, along with the Jeevan Pramaan ID and PPO number, enabling the convenient completion of the process from home.

The implementation of this innovative and convenient technology for EPS pensioners’ DLC was integrated into EPFO's software in July 2022. Comprehensive instructions have been issued to all field offices to promote the adoption of this new method among a wider range of pensioners. Additionally, a detailed instructional video demonstrating the usage of this technology is accessible on EPFO's official YouTube channel @SOCIALEPFO. To access the video, simply open the YouTube app on your smartphone, search for 'EPFO official channel ', and navigate to the 'Facial Scan-based DLC Tutorial' video. This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to use the technology, making it easier for pensioners to understand and adopt this new method.