The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), a statutory body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment of the Government of India, has announced that it will no longer accept Aadhaar card as a valid proof for date of birth. The decision, which was made with the approval of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner (CPFC), follows a directive from the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), the agency that issues Aadhaar.
UIDAI’s Directive
According to UIDAI’s directive (Circular No. 08 of 2023), Aadhaar was being considered as proof for date of birth by several beneficiaries, which was not in accordance with the Aadhaar Act, 2016. The Act states that Aadhaar is a proof of identity, not proof of birth. UIDAI also cited recent court judgments, including the one by the Bombay High Court, that reinforced that Aadhaar could not be considered as proof of date of birth.
EPFO’s Circular
In light of UIDAI’s directive, EPFO has removed Aadhaar from the list of acceptable documents for correcting date of birth in its circular (No: WSU/2024/1/UIDAI Matter/4090) issued on January 16, 2024. The circular noted that necessary modification in EPFO’s application software will be made to align with the updated guidelines. EPFO has directed all its zonal and regional offices to ensure widespread implementation of the latest guidelines.
Alternative Documents
Here are the documents which are valid as proof of Date of Birth for EPFO:
- Birth Certificate issued by the Registrar of Births and Deaths
- Marksheet issued by any recognised 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
- Medical certificate issued by Civil Surgeon after examining the member medically and supported with an affidavit on oath by the member duly authenticated by a Competent Court.