EPFO Says No to Aadhaar for Date of Birth Proof: Birth Certificates, Marksheets Take Center Stage

In a significant move, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has removed Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents for proof of date of birth (DoB). This new policy, announced in a circular dated January 16, 2024, (No: WSU/2024/1/UIDAI Matter/4090), comes as a response to a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) issued in Circular No. 08 of 2023.

Demystifying the Change: Why Aadhaar Lost its Validity for EPFO Date of Birth Verification

Earlier, many organizations, including EPFO, readily accepted Aadhaar as a valid document for verifying date of birth. However, UIDAI clarified that while Aadhaar serves as a unique identification proof, it does not qualify as a valid proof of date of birth under the Aadhaar Act, 2016. This discrepancy prompted the update in EPFO's policy.

Replacing Aadhaar: A List of Acceptable Documents for EPFO Date of Birth Verification

The EPFO circular specifies the following documents as acceptable alternatives for date of birth verification:

• Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths

• Marksheet issued by any recognized Government Board or University

• School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/ School Transfer Certificate (TC)/ SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth

• Certificate based on the service records

• PAN card

• Central/ State Pension Payment Order

• Domicile Certificate issued by the Government

Beyond Documents: Addressing Exceptions and Medical Cases

For individuals lacking any of the aforementioned documents, the EPFO offers alternative options. In such cases, a medical certificate issued by a Civil Surgeon after examining the member medically can be submitted, along with an affidavit on oath by the member duly authenticated by a Competent Court.

EPFO Circular Details:

The EPFO circular issued on January 16, 2024, explicitly states, "Removal of Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents as a Date of Birth Proof." The decision to remove Aadhaar from the list was approved by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC). The removal specifically pertains to Table-B of Annexure-1 of the Joint Declaration SOP issued earlier.

Implications and Takeaways: What this Means for EPFO Members

This policy shift necessitates action from EPFO members who haven't yet provided their date of birth proof or need to make corrections. To avoid any discrepancies or delays in processing, it's crucial to ensure you possess and readily accessible copies of the newly accepted documents listed above.

Conclusion: A Shift Towards Precision and Clarity in EPFO's Policy

The removal of Aadhaar as a valid proof of date of birth for EPFO marks a significant shift towards greater precision and clarity in the organization's policy. This move aligns with UIDAI's regulations and addresses concerns about the misuse of Aadhaar for purposes beyond its intended scope.

For EPFO members, this update necessitates reviewing and updating their records with the newly listed acceptable documents. While it may require some initial effort, the long-term benefits outweigh the inconvenience. Enhanced accuracy in date of birth verification helps prevent errors and discrepancies, ensuring smoother processing and timely disbursement of provident fund benefits.

Overall, this policy change reflects a commitment to strengthening the integrity and efficacy of EPFO's operations. By prioritizing reliable and verifiable birth date proofs, the organization safeguards the interests of its members and lays the foundation for a more robust and transparent system.

Additionally, the conclusion could emphasize one or more of the following aspects, depending on your desired focus:

• The importance of adhering to UIDAI regulations and respecting the limitations of Aadhaar.

• The need for EPFO members to proactively update their records to avoid delays.

• The potential positive impact of this policy shift on the overall efficiency and trust in EPFO.

• The broader implications of this change for data privacy and responsible identification management.