EPFO Witnesses Remarkable Surge in Facial Authentication for Digital Life Certificates
MAS Team | 12 June 2024
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The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has witnessed a remarkable surge in the adoption of facial authentication technology (FAT) for submitting digital life certificates (DLCs) by pensioners. According to a recent press release, during the financial year 2023-24, a staggering 6.6 lakh pensioners utilized the face authentication method, reflecting a remarkable 200% year-on-year growth compared to the previous fiscal year, when only 2.1 lakh pensioners had embraced this technology.
The widespread adoption of facial authentication is a testament to the EPFO's commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to enhance the convenience and accessibility of its services. By eliminating the need for pensioners to physically visit banks or offices, this innovative approach has effectively addressed long-standing grievances and challenges associated with the traditional process of submitting life certificates.
Prior to the implementation of facial authentication, pensioners were required to submit physical life certificates annually to ensure the continuation of their pension payments. However, this process often posed logistical challenges and inconveniences, leading to potential grievances. With the introduction of FAT, pensioners can now conveniently submit their digital life certificates from the comfort of their homes, leveraging the power of their smartphones.
The facial authentication process is seamlessly integrated with the Aadhaar system, ensuring a secure and reliable verification mechanism. Pensioners are required to install two applications on their Android smartphones: "Aadhaar Face RD" and "Jeevan Pramaan." The authentication process is carried out through Aadhaar-linked mobile numbers, providing an additional layer of security and ensuring that only authorized individuals can access and utilize the service.
Thank you for providing the step-by-step guide for submitting digital life certificates using facial authentication technology on Android smartphones. I have incorporated this information into the article:
Empowering Pensioners with Convenience ...
Seamless Integration with Aadhaar ...
Comprehensive Guidelines for Successful Implementation To ensure a smooth and successful implementation of FAT, the EPFO has provided detailed guidelines for pensioners. These guidelines outline the requirements for compatible Android smartphones, minimum camera specifications, and step-by-step instructions for downloading and utilizing the necessary applications. The organization has also emphasized the importance of having an Aadhaar-enabled mobile number, further strengthening the security and verification processes.
Here's a step-by-step guide for Android smartphone users to submit their digital life certificates using facial authentication technology:

Source: Google Play store - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=in.gov.uidai.facerd&hl=en_IN
1. Ensure you have an Android smartphone (version 7.0 and above) with an un-rooted operating system and at least a 5-megapixel front or rear-facing camera. Internet connectivity is also required.
2. Go to the Google Play Store and install the 'AadhaarFaceRd' app. Once installed, this app will not be visible on the phone's home screen or have an icon. It can be found in the "Settings" menu under "App Info."
3. Next, download and install the 'Jeevan Pramaan Face' app from the Google Play Store.
4. Complete the one-time operator authentication process on the Jeevan Pramaan app. Any individual, including a pensioner, can register as an operator.
5. Type in your details and complete the Aadhaar-based face authentication process for pensioners. After a successful face scan, the application will restart, and a "Client Registration Successful" message will appear, indicating that the operator registration is complete.
6. To complete the face authentication process, enter your Aadhaar number and mobile number. Providing an email address is optional. An OTP will be sent to both your mobile number and email address (if provided). Enter the OTP and submit it.
7. After successful OTP validation, the screen will either be blank or display pre-filled details. If the details are pre-filled, review them for accuracy. If the screen is blank, enter the required information.
The EPFO emphasizes that this authentication process is carried out against the UIDAI's Aadhaar database using UIDAI's Face Recognition App, ensuring a secure and reliable verification mechanism.
The substantial growth in the adoption of facial authentication technology for submitting digital life certificates marks a significant milestone in the EPFO's digital transformation journey. With 6.6 lakh pensioners, comprising nearly 10% of the total DLCs received during the 2023-24 fiscal year, opting for this method, the organization has demonstrated its commitment to embracing innovative solutions that prioritize customer convenience and satisfaction.
As the EPFO continues to leverage the power of technology, the widespread adoption of facial authentication technology for digital life certificates is expected to further streamline processes, enhance transparency, and ultimately contribute to a more efficient and user-friendly pension management system for India's vast workforce.
Dear Investor,
In case of any grievance / complaint :
In case of any grievance / complaint :
- Please contact Compliance Officer Shraddha Mhatre at [email protected] and Phone No. - 91-22-35131664.
- You may also approach CEO Debashis Basu at email- id [email protected] and Phone No. - 91-22-35131664.