EPFO Advances Digital Claims and UPI Withdrawals as Social Security Coverage Reaches 101 Crore

New Delhi, July 31 – The government reported that 101 crore Indians are now part of at least one social‑security program, representing over 68 % of the nation’s total population. The achievement drew praise from the International Labour Organization.

During the fourth Global Industrial Relations Summit, co‑hosted by the All India Organization of Employers and FICCI, Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya reiterated the urgency of a development model that marries workers’ protection with business‑friendly reforms.

Mandaviya pointed out that robust industrialisation fuels job creation, a cornerstone of national growth.

He also emphasized the increasing contribution of self‑help groups and cooperatives, especially women‑driven ventures, in generating livelihoods, strengthening the macro‑economy and fostering women’s empowerment.

A striking shift in employment elasticity was highlighted: today, a 1 % rise in GDP yields a 1.11 % rise in employment, compared with a negligible 0.008 % twelve years ago.

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation will broaden health‑care delivery by incorporating high‑quality private hospitals into its network, moving beyond its current sole‑provider status.

The EPFO’s digital overhaul will see claim processing fully online, seamless transfers through a single UAN and a potential rollout of UPI‑based withdrawal facilities, simplifying pension access for millions.