EPFO Removes Aadhaar as DOB Proof Following UIDAI Directive

New Delhi: In a significant decision, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has excluded the Aadhaar card as a valid document for establishing date of birth (DOB). This move comes in response to a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), emphasizing that Aadhaar is primarily an identity verification tool and not a proof of birth.

The circular, issued on January 16 and approved by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC), cites recent court judgments supporting the view that Aadhaar cannot be considered sufficient proof of date of birth. The UIDAI, in a letter to EPFO, highlighted the need to eliminate the use of Aadhaar as proof of DOB, prompting the removal from the list of acceptable documents for correcting the date of birth.

Valid documents for establishing date of birth for EPFO now include:
– Marksheet issued by any recognized Government Board or University
– School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/ School Transfer Certificate (TC)/ SSC certificate containing Name and Date of Birth
– Certificate based on the service records
– PAN card
– Central/ State Pension Payment Order
– Domicile Certificate issued by the Government
– Passport
– Government pension
– Medical certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon

It is important to note that Aadhaar, a 12-digit individual identification number issued by UIDAI on behalf of the Government of India, continues to serve as proof of identity and address nationwide.