**EPFO Cracks Down on Corruption: Zero Tolerance Policy and New Service Improvements Announced**
*New Delhi:* The Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has taken a strong stand against corruption within its system following multiple complaints circulating on social media. Users alleged that some EPFO officials demanded bribes to process Provident Fund (PF) claims, with several applications reportedly rejected without explanation. Others claimed that services were only rendered after paying money under the table.
In a clear message posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), EPFO reiterated its zero-tolerance policy towards bribery and corruption. The organization emphasized that all services are completely free of charge and no one should be asked to pay even a single rupee to get their work done.
### How to File a Complaint if Asked for a Bribe
EPFO has advised individuals who face demands for bribes during claim settlements, registration, or any other service to immediately file a complaint. Complaints can be lodged with the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) or the Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO) of EPFO.
The organization has warned that stringent actions will be taken against any employee caught demanding or accepting bribes.
### Where and How to Lodge Complaints
To simplify the complaint process, EPFO has provided multiple options:
– **Online:** File a complaint through the official portal [www.portal.cvc.gov.in](https://www.portal.cvc.gov.in)
– **Offline:** Send a complaint letter via courier to the postal address mentioned in EPFO’s official social media posts.
### Major Recent Changes in EPFO Services
EPFO has introduced several significant updates to streamline its services and enhance user convenience:
– **Instant Withdrawals:** Users can now withdraw up to Rs 1 lakh instantly through UPI or ATM, which is especially helpful during emergencies.
– **Increased Auto-Settlement Limit:** The auto-settlement limit for claims has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 5 lakh. This means smaller claims will be processed automatically without requiring physical verification.
– **Reduced Documentation:** The number of documents required for PF withdrawal has been cut down from 27 to just 18, reducing processing time to 3–4 days.
– **Higher Withdrawal for Housing:** Employees with over 3 years of service can now withdraw up to 90% of their PF balance to buy a house or pay EMIs.
### EPFO 3.0 is Coming Soon
EPFO is also preparing to launch an upgraded system, dubbed **EPFO 3.0**, which will bring several new features including:
– UPI payment integration
– A dedicated mobile app
– ATM card withdrawals
– Real-time service tracking
These enhancements aim to provide a smoother, more transparent, and user-friendly experience for all EPFO members.
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Stay vigilant against corruption and make use of the newly introduced services for a hassle-free Provident Fund experience. For further updates, follow official EPFO announcements on their verified social media channels.
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