EPFO at 74: Small Forgotten PF Balances to Be Settled Automatically, Services Coming to WhatsApp

A Bigger Base, Bigger Expectations

The initiatives come as EPFO serves more people than ever. Contributing members rose from 3.49 crore in 2014-15 to about 7.98 crore as of September 16, 2026, an increase of nearly 4.49 crore. As of September 2026, 7.68 lakh establishments contribute to EPFO.

The rise reflects a wider expansion of social protection in the country. India’s social protection coverage increased from 19 per cent in 2015 to 68.4 per cent in 2026, bringing more than one billion people within the framework.

With a membership base this large, small inefficiencies add up quickly. Unclaimed balances, pending queries and repeat visits to EPFO offices become costly at this scale. That is why automation and easy-to-use digital channels now matter so much to the organisation’s service delivery.

The ministry put the purpose of the day this way: “The 74th Foundation Day celebration seeks to reaffirm that the journey of EPFO is not merely a story of institutional growth; it is a continuing commitment to ensure that the fruits of a worker’s years of labour translate into security, dignity and peace of mind for the worker and the family.”

At the event, Dr. Mandaviya will present the Bhavishya Nidhi Awards 2026 to recognise outstanding work by Regional Offices, Zonal Offices, individual officers and employees. He will also review exhibition stalls and release a series of publications on knowledge creation, institutional learning, legal awareness and compassionate governance.

Senior ministry officials, members of the Central Board of Trustees, EPFO officers and employees, employers, workers and other stakeholders are expected to attend.

EPFO celebrates its Foundation Day on November 1 because that was the date in 1952 when the Employees’ Provident Fund Scheme came fully into force. Seventy-four years later, the organisation is trying to show that good social security also means making it simple for workers to get their money.

This story is based on inputs from IANS.