The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has announced an extension for the mandatory linking of Aadhaar numbers with Universal Account Numbers (UAN) for filing the Electronic Challan Cumulative Return (ECR). The new deadline, set for June 30, 2024, comes as a partial amendment to previous circulars issued by the EPFO. This notification was published on June 5, 2024.
This extension primarily benefits certain sectors such as beedi manufacturing, building and construction, and plantation industries (including tea, coffee, cardamom, pepper, jute, rubber, cinnamon, and cashew nuts), as well as the North Eastern Region of India. However, it’s crucial to note that this extension is a one-time measure. The EPFO emphasizes that no further extensions will be granted beyond this date. Consequently, Zonal and Regional Offices are urged to prioritize efforts to ensure 100% Aadhaar-UAN linkage by conducting special drives and camps, particularly targeting areas with significant pending cases. This move underscores the EPFO’s commitment to streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency within the provident fund ecosystem.
