New Delhi:

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced a groundbreaking initiative aimed at simplifying the process of submitting Digital Life Certificates (DLC) for pensioners. With over 78 lakh pensioners under its umbrella, EPFO has long sought to streamline the DLC submission process, which previously necessitated physical visits to banks or post offices.

In a move towards “Ease of Living,” EPFO embraced Digital Life Certificates (DLC) in 2015, allowing pensioners to submit their certifications digitally based on biometric authentication. However, recognizing the challenges faced by elderly pensioners in physically visiting banks or post offices, EPFO, in collaboration with MeitY and UIDAI, unveiled the Face Authentication Technology (FAT) in July 2022.

This innovative approach enables pensioners to submit DLCs from the comfort of their homes using any Android-based smartphone. By leveraging facial recognition technology, pensioners can authenticate their identities against UIDAI’s Aadhaar database, eliminating the need for physical visits to designated centers.

Since its inception, the Facial Authentication Technology has witnessed exponential growth in adoption. From 2.1 lakh submissions in 2022-23, the number surged to 6.6 lakh in 2023-24, marking a remarkable 200% year-on-year increase. Notably, FAT-based DLCs accounted for nearly 10% of the total submissions in 2023-24, underscoring its growing popularity and efficacy.

To facilitate seamless adoption, pensioners are required to install two applications, namely “Aadhaar Face RD” and “Jeevan Pramaan,” on their smartphones. Authentication for these applications is conducted via Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers, with comprehensive guidelines provided within the apps to ensure successful facial scans.

EPFO has actively promoted the use of this technology through various channels, including field offices and the “Nidhi Apke Nikat” program held nationwide. Additionally, detailed instructional videos are available on EPFO’s official YouTube channel to guide pensioners through the process.

With this pioneering initiative, EPFO aims to enhance the quality of life for pensioners by offering a convenient and accessible method for DLC submissions. By harnessing the power of facial recognition technology, EPFO continues to champion innovation in pensioner welfare.