- EPFO extends UAN activation and Aadhaar linking deadline to February 15, 2025.
- The ELI scheme incentivizes employment with financial benefits for individuals and employers.
- Three ELI scheme components support job creation and employer incentives.
- Step-by-step guide to activating UAN using Aadhaar-based OTP verification.
The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced an extension for employees to activate their Universal Account Number (UAN) and link their bank accounts with Aadhaar until February 15, 2025. This extension ensures that employees can continue accessing their provident fund benefits and incentives under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme.
The decision was formalized in an EPFO circular dated February 2, 2025. It states, “Please refer to the circulars mentioned under references. In this connection, the competent authority has granted an extension of the timeline for UAN activation and Aadhaar seeding in bank accounts till February 15, 2025.”
Understanding the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme
The ELI scheme was introduced in the Union Budget for 2023-24 to stimulate formal employment in India. It aims to generate over 20 million jobs in two years through financial incentives for both employees and employers.
Components of the ELI Scheme:
Scheme A:
- Provides one-month wage as a direct benefit transfer.
- Offered in three installments.
- Applicable for first-time employees registered with EPFO.
- Maximum limit: Rs 15,000.
- Employees must have a salary below Rs 1 lakh per month.
Scheme B:
- Designed for manufacturing employers with a three-year EPFO contribution history.
- Employers must hire at least 50 new employees or 25% of their workforce.
- Incentives distributed over four years: 24% of wages (first two years), 16% (third year), and 8% (fourth year).
- Employees must earn up to Rs 1 lakh per month.
Scheme C:
- Employer-centric incentive across all sectors.
- Covers new employment with salaries up to Rs 1 lakh per month.
- Employers receive up to Rs 3,000 per month per additional employee for two years.
How to Activate Your EPF UAN Using Aadhaar-Based OTP
Employees must activate their UAN to avail benefits from the ELI scheme. Follow these steps to activate your UAN using Aadhaar-based OTP verification:
- Visit the EPFO Member Portal: Navigate to the official EPFO website.
- Select ‘Activate UAN’: Find the ‘activate UAN’ link under the ‘important links’ section. If you don’t have a UAN, request it from your employer.
- Provide Required Details: Enter your UAN, Aadhaar number, full name, date of birth, and the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
- Ensure Aadhaar-Mobile Linkage: Your mobile number should be linked to Aadhaar for seamless authentication.
- Agree to OTP Verification: Accept the Aadhaar-based OTP verification process.
- Generate OTP: Click on ‘get authorisation PIN’ to receive an OTP on your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
- Complete Activation: Enter the OTP to finalize the activation process.
Once activated, EPFO will send a password to your registered mobile number for future login access.
Why You Should Complete the Process Before February 15
Failing to activate UAN and link Aadhaar may lead to delays in accessing EPFO benefits, including:
- Seamless EPF withdrawals and transfers.
- Direct benefit transfers under the ELI scheme.
- Employer contribution tracking and updates.
With the deadline set for February 15, employees should complete this process promptly to ensure uninterrupted access to their provident fund benefits and financial incentives under the ELI scheme.
