The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has announced a series of reforms aimed at making Provident Fund (PF) services simpler, faster, and more transparent. Union Labour Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled these updates, which include:
- ‘Passbook Lite’ for quick PF balance checks
- Direct online access to Annexure K for transfer transparency
- Reduced approval hierarchy for faster settlements
These reforms are set to impact over 30 crore EPFO members, improving both convenience and efficiency.
1. Passbook Lite: One Login for All Your PF Details
Until now, members had to log in separately on the EPFO passbook portal to check contributions, withdrawals, or advances. With the launch of Passbook Lite, this service has been integrated directly into the Member Portal (link here).
Key Benefits:
- One login, multiple services – no need to visit a separate portal.
- Quick balance summary of contributions and withdrawals in a simplified format.
- Reduced load on servers, ensuring smoother access during peak times.
- Graphical view still available on the older passbook portal for those who want detailed analytics.
👉 FinRight Expert Take:
“This is a major step towards improving user experience. Earlier, many members faced errors or delays when the passbook site was overloaded. With Passbook Lite inside the Member Portal, checking PF balance will become as easy as checking your bank balance,” explains the FinRight team.
2. Annexure K Now Available Online
One of the biggest pain points for employees changing jobs has been tracking PF transfers. The document known as Annexure K—a transfer certificate showing balance and service details—was previously only shared between PF offices. Members had to raise requests or file grievances to get a copy.
With the new update, members can now download Annexure K directly from the Member Portal in PDF format.
Why This Matters:
- Full transparency in PF transfers.
- Verification of service period & balance after every transfer.
- Digital record-keeping for future, especially critical for EPS (Pension) eligibility.
- Fewer grievances, as members can self-check records.
👉 FinRight Expert Take:
“Annexure K has always been the most important document in resolving PF transfer issues, yet it was the least accessible to members. Making it downloadable removes a huge barrier and empowers members to spot transfer errors early,” says FinRight.
3. Faster PF Settlements with Fewer Approval Layers
Previously, PF transfers, settlements, advances, and refunds required multiple levels of approval—often delaying claims. For instance, even small advances needed clearance from senior officers like RPFCs.
EPFO has now delegated powers to lower-level officers (Assistant P.F. Commissioners and below), rationalizing the hierarchy.
Expected Benefits:
- Faster claim processing and quicker settlements.
- Lower grievance rates due to reduced delays.
- Accountability shifted to field offices, making them more responsive.
- Improved transparency as fewer steps mean less scope for files getting stuck.
👉 FinRight Expert Take:
“For years, delays in PF settlements were blamed on multiple approval layers. This reform cuts unnecessary red tape and is a direct win for members. We expect claim processing timelines to reduce significantly if implemented properly,” notes FinRight.
Why These Reforms Matter
EPFO manages over ₹20 lakh crore in retirement savings and handles millions of claims every year. These reforms directly impact salaried employees who rely on PF as their largest retirement corpus.
In Summary:
- Passbook Lite makes PF details more accessible.
- Annexure K online brings transparency and trust to transfers.
- Reduced approval hierarchy speeds up settlements and advances.
Together, these steps reflect a strong push towards “ease of living” and digital-first governance.
FinRight’s Perspective
At FinRight, we work with thousands of employees every month who struggle with:
- Missing Annexure K blocking transfers
- Passbook mismatches
- Delayed settlements due to hierarchy bottlenecks
These reforms are in line with the pain points we see daily. However, we believe execution will be key. Many EPFO offices still rely on outdated processes, and unless ground-level staff adopt these reforms effectively, members may continue to face challenges.
Final Word
The reforms announced on 18th September 2025 are a welcome step towards building a transparent, digital, and user-friendly PF system.
But if you still face issues whether it’s a missing Annexure K, a transfer stuck for months, or repeated rejections – FinRight can help. Our experts specialize in resolving complex PF cases and ensuring you get access to your hard-earned money.👉 FixMyPF with FinRight – Don’t let rejections block your retirement savings.
