NEWS: EPFO carried out a nationwide database consolidation under the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project to modernise provident fund services.

ABOUT CITES

• A technology-driven modernisation project of the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
• Administrative Authority: EPFO under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Technical Developer: Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
• Replaces the decentralised regional database system with a single centralised national database.

OBJECTIVES

• Enable any EPFO office to process PF and pension claims irrespective of the member's location.
• Reduce delays in PF withdrawals, pension approvals, and deceased member settlements.
• Improve transparency, efficiency, and ease of service delivery.

KEY FEATURES

• Single Centralised Database: Integrates over 120 regional databases into one national platform.
• Unified Digital Interface: Access through existing Universal Account Number (UAN).
• Aggregated Member IDs: Links all previous and current PF accounts under one UAN with verified KYC.
• Online Query Resolution: Members can respond digitally to claim-related queries.
• Centralised Pension Payment System (CPPS): Enables seamless pension disbursement across India.

UPI Integration: Provides the foundation for future instant PF withdrawals through UPI.