- Date : 16/10/2020
- Read: 2 mins
EPFO has launched a WhatsApp-based helpline-cum-grievance redressal mechanism that is available across its 138 regional offices.
In keeping with the trend of digitising services, retirement fund authority EPFO (Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation) has launched a WhatsApp helpline service to facilitate quicker resolution of its subscribers’ grievances.
The WhatsApp based helpline-cum-grievance redressal mechanism has been launched under its Nirbadh initiative, and aims to provide seamless and uninterrupted service to its subscribers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering the immense popularity of WhatsApp as a communication platform, this initiative will allow provident fund (PF) subscribers to interact directly with EPFO's regional offices.
How does EPF WhatsApp service work?
Separate WhatsApp numbers are listed for each of the 138 regional EPFO offices. These can be accessed via the homepage of EPFO’s official website at www.epfindia.gov.in, or you can click here for direct access to the helpline page.
A subscriber can seek guidance or file a grievance related to any EPFO service by sending a WhatsApp message on the number of the concerned regional office where the PF account is maintained. To ensure speedy resolution of queries raised on WhatsApp, all regional EPFO offices have been assigned a dedicated team of experts.
Related: Lost your job or planning to quit? Here’s how you can benefit from your EPF
What are the advantages of EPF WhatsApp service?
The ease of communicating via WhatsApp will significantly reduce the need of subscribers to physically visit an EPFO branch, which in turn also helps maintain social distancing guidelines during the pandemic. As a direct channel of communication between EPFO and its subscribers, it will enhance EPFO’s responsiveness and facilitate secure and timely delivery of service.
Subscribers have been quick to adopt the service, and EPFO has already resolved over 1,64,040 grievances and queries through WhatsApp, according to Labour Ministry sources.
In addition to the WhatsApp service, EPFO is also accessible through other mediums such as EPFiGMS (EPFO's online grievance resolution portal), CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System), social media platforms (Facebook and Twitter), as well as a dedicated 24x7 call centre.
Related: 6 Things you must do with your EPF to secure your future
Since the introduction of the service, EPFO has witnessed a decline of 16% in the registration of grievances and queries on EPFiGMS, and by about 30% on Facebook and Twitter. Are you aware of these services EPFO is offering?
