EPFO Issues Mandatory Orders for Pension Payments

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued pension payment orders (PPOs) to 21,885 members, ensuring their pensions are processed. Additionally, 1.65 lakh eligible members have been directed to deposit additional contributions to qualify for higher pension benefits.

Government's Assurance on Pension Settlement
•    Labour and Employment Minister Bhupender Yadav informed Parliament that EPFO has received 17.48 lakh applications under the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS-1995) for higher pension eligibility.
•    As of January 28, 2025, EPFO has issued demand notices in 1.65 lakh cases, instructing members to deposit their due amount for higher pension calculations.
•    The minister also assured that pending cases are being monitored, and field offices have been directed to expedite settlements.

New Facility: Withdraw PF via UPI Soon
In a major relief for Provident Fund (PF) subscribers, EPFO is working on a plan to allow withdrawals directly through UPI (Unified Payments Interface). This initiative aims to simplify the withdrawal process and benefit millions of account holders.
•    The plan is expected to be rolled out within two to three months.
•    EPFO is collaborating with National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to enable seamless integration with UPI platforms.
•    Once implemented, members can withdraw their PF using digital wallets, without requiring traditional banking channels.
Investment Strategy to Change
•    EPFO is considering reducing investments in dated securities from 20% to 10%.
•    More funds may be redirected towards corporate bonds, which typically offer higher returns than traditional debt instruments.
This move is expected to enhance EPFO’s returns, ultimately benefiting millions of subscribers with better pension payouts.