LUCKNOW: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has introduced WhatsApp-based services and initiated the automatic settlement of balances of up to Rs 1,000 in inactive accounts, officials said during its 74th Foundation Day celebrations in Lucknow on Wednesday.The event was organised by EPFO’s Lucknow regional office at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Gomti Nagar.Additional central provident fund commissioner Uday Banshi said balances of up to Rs 1,000 in inactive accounts were automatically settled and transferred to members’ bank accounts on November 1.Regional provident fund commissioner-I Ashwini Kumar Gupta said WhatsApp-based services, launched on November 1, would make EPFO facilities more accessible to subscribers. Members can access the services by sending ‘Hi’ to EPFO’s WhatsApp number, +91 8796441800. The facility allows subscribers to check their PF balance, view their last five transactions and download their EPF passbook.Officials said the Lucknow regional office, which covers Lucknow, Sitapur, Lakhimpur Kheri, Hardoi, Barabanki and Rae Bareli, serves around 43,000 establishments, 5.41 lakh members and 65,000 pensioners. It settled over 6.09 lakh claims during 2025-26.Chief guest and UP additional chief secretary (labour and employment) Ashish Kumar Goel stressed the importance of social security for workers and better coordination among departments.Officials also highlighted simplified partial withdrawal procedures, automatic claim settlements and initiatives to expand social security coverage.
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