The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched a WhatsApp helpline service for speedy redressal of grievances for its subscribers in all the 138 regional offices. The facility will allow customers to raise queries and grievances from home, reducing the need to physically visit EPFO's offices, which will help maintain social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic. The helpline facility is an addition to various other means of grievance redressal forums provided by the EPFO, including the EPFiGMS portal, Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS), social media platforms (Facebook & Twitter) and a 24x7 call centre. WhatsApp helpline is now functional in all the 138 regional offices of EPFO. Any stakeholders can simply file grievance or seek guidance on any queries relating to services provided by EPFO, by putting a WhatsApp message on the helpline number of the concerned regional office where the PF account is maintained," the Ministry of Labour said.
How to use EPFO WhatsApp-based service
Step 1: Install WhatsApp on your smartphone and create account using a valid mobile number
Step 2: Go to EPFO’s website at https://www.epfindia.gov.in/site_en/index.php
Step 3: Look for the dedicated WhatsApp Helpline number of your concerned regional office
Step 4: Save that number on your smartphone
Step 5: After saving the number, open WhatsApp and click on that number
Step 6: Write your query or grievance and tap on send option
Step 7: You will receive an answer regarding your grievance from the EPFO