For this occasion, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is now organizing a major Central Board-of-Trustees (CBT) meeting on 10-11 October 2025. Finalized reforms will surely be of direct benefit to the members. These reforms address banking facilities, upward pension amounts, and a changed timeline for the rollout of EPFO 3.0, which is a service modernization uplift.
What Is EPFO 3.0 and Why Is It Important?
EPFO 3.0 is an upcoming software platform designed to provide enhanced facilities to about 80 million EPFO members. The features could be withdrawal of EPF through ATMs (without any prior approval) and easier withdrawal of smaller amounts, in other words, banking convenience. The system was expected to go live by June but got delayed due to some technical issues.
During the next CBT meeting, the government may consider setting forth a new deadline for the implementation of EPFO 3.0. It is considered instrumental in holding accountable the agencies responsible and thus accelerating the deployment of promised digital and banking facilities.
Higher monthly pension under discussion
Besides service issues, pensioners may be able to build some hopes. At present, EPFO maintains minimum ₹1,000 as a monthly pension. Labor unions have promoted such an increase for a long time. The October board meeting may see a recess in this regard, causing the amount to be raised to somewhere between ₹1,500 and ₹2,500 as monthly pension, thus, alleviating the plight of many lower-income pensioners.
Though it is technically not yet on the agenda, sources report that it may be, in fact, placed for discussion. Should it get the green light, the change may benefit another 1,00,000 pensioners dependent on minimum pensions.
Review Of Employment Linked Incentive Scheme
Another item for review is the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme. It is in operation since August 1 and intended to create over 3.5 crore formal jobs all over India. Under ELI, employees are incentivized `up to ₹15,000 per month’ for the first time, and employers are paid ₹3,000 per month for hiring new employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month.
The CBT shall review what was achieved and propose any corrections required to improve effectiveness.
What Must EPFO Members Watch For
- The formal deadline for the implementation of EPFO 3.0.
- Whether ATM/withdrawal-facilities without pre-approval will finally be enabled.
- Decision or announcement regarding increase in minimum pension.
- Progress of the ELI scheme and amendments in policies, if any.
Also Read: EPFO Diwali Update 2025: ATM PF Withdrawal Facility Likely Soon