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The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has announced January 15, 2025, as the final deadline to activate the Universal Account Number (UAN) to access benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme. With just 5 days left, it’s important for employees to complete this mandatory process to secure the scheme's financial advantages.

Key Details About the Deadline

Initially, the deadline for UAN activation was November 30, 2024, which was later extended to December 15, 2024, and now finally to January 15, 2025. The extension provides eligible employees an additional chance to meet the activation requirements and benefit from the ELI scheme.

UAN and Aadhaar Linking: A Mandatory Requirement

Announced during the Union Budget of 2024 by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the ELI scheme is designed to promote employment growth and incentivize new hiring across industries. The scheme requires employees to:

• Activate their UAN
• Link Aadhaar with their bank account

These steps are essential to ensure smooth access to the scheme’s benefits.

What Is the Objective of the ELI Scheme?

The ELI scheme aims to stimulate job creation and reward companies for expanding their workforce. It includes three incentive categories:

1. Scheme A

• Employers receive a ₹15,000 subsidy per new graduate hired, disbursed in three installments.

2. Scheme B

• Tailored for the manufacturing sector, companies get a ₹3,000 monthly subsidy per new employee for two years.

3. Scheme C

• Offers general financial incentives to encourage workforce expansion across industries.

Why Is UAN Activation Crucial?

EPFO mandates UAN activation and Aadhaar linkage for several reasons:

1. Access to EPFO Services: Employees can view their PF passbook, claim benefits online, and update personal details.
2. Direct Benefit Transfers: Ensures seamless credit of government scheme benefits to employees' bank accounts.

Without an active UAN linked to Aadhaar, employees cannot access the benefits of the ELI scheme or other EPFO services.

How to Activate Your UAN

Follow these simple steps to activate your UAN:

1. Visit the EPFO Portal
   Go to https://unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in/memberinterface/.

2. Click on ‘Activate UAN’
   Enter the following details:

   • UAN number
   • Aadhaar number
   • Date of birth
   • Mobile number linked with Aadhaar

3. Verify via OTP
   Enter the OTP sent to your registered mobile number.

4. Generate Password
   Set a password for your account to complete the activation process.

Final Reminder

Employers must ensure that all employees complete the UAN activation process by January 15, 2025, to avail the benefits under the ELI scheme. By meeting this deadline, eligible employees can secure financial incentives and maximize the benefits provided by EPFO.

Take action today and don’t miss out on this opportunity!