Aadhaar:  Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) announced that the Aadhaar card would no longer be an acceptable document for date of birth. The announcement was made on January 16, 2024.

EPFO notified the withdrawal of the Aadhaar card as an acceptable document for date of birth following the directives of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). EPFO falls under the Ministry of Labor and Employment, Government of India.

Decision Taken After UIDAI Directive

Earlier in circular No 08 of the 2023 UIDAI directive, the agency observed that Aadhaar was considered as proof of date of birth by many beneficiaries. Aadhaar, though a unique identifier, is not recognized as proof of date of birth under the Aadhaar Act, 2016, said the circular.

In the directive, UIDAI insists that Aadhaar provides identity verification and not birth proof.

Following the directive, EPFO removed 'Aadhaar' from the list of acceptable documents for date of birth correction.

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EPFO said that The decision has been taken with the approval of the Central Commissioner of Central Provident Fund (CPFC). The Internal Systems Division (ISD) had been directed to make necessary changes to the application software to align it with the updated guidelines.

EPFO's removal of Aadhaar as proof of date of birth was under UIDAI's directives and the legal position on Aadhaar limitations.

Members of EPFO and Institutions correcting date of birth are advised to be aware of this change. UIDAI's emphasis on the role of Aadhaar in identity verification rather than proof of birth had legal backing, reinforcing the need for proper documentation.

List of Proof of date of birth valid EPFO

Birth certificate issued by Registrar

Marksheet issued by a recognized government board or university

School Leaving Certificate (SLC)/School Transfer Certificate (TC)/SSC Certificate containing name and date of birth

Certificate based on service record, PAN card and Central/State Pension Payment Order

Residence Certificate issued by Govt, Medical certificate issued by the Civil Surgeon after medical examination of the member and supported by an affidavit by the member certified by a competent court.

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