EPFO achieves unprecedented growth in J&K, Ladakh

Srinagar, Apr 03: Over the past four years, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has undergone a remarkable transformation in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under the dynamic leadership of PF Commissioner Syed Rizwanuddin, who was transferred to New Delhi on Wednesday.
From boosting membership and ensuring seamless pension disbursement to leveraging technology for efficient service delivery, EPFO has set new benchmarks despite resource limitations and operational challenges.
Through a combination of strategic outreach, digital initiatives, and policy-driven interventions, the organization has strengthened social security for thousands of employees and pensioners in the region.
Talking to Rising Kashmir, Syed Rizwanuddin said EPFO achieved unprecedented growth due to unwavering commitment to customer-centric approach.
“Our philosophy is simple: customers come first. We ensure their work is not obstructed and follow strict manual provisions to process provident fund claims effectively. By focusing on efficient claim processing, the organization successfully addressed 3,500-4,000 cases per month in the 2024-25 financial year, significantly reducing claim rejections,” he said.
The return rejection ratio in Jammu stands at 15%, compared to the national average of 21.5%, demonstrating the region’s commitment to efficient fund management. Notably, Jammu has been competing with Patna, maintaining one of the lowest claim rejection ratios in the country.
“I personally worked sleepless nights to address minor shortcomings, forming special teams to intervene via personal efforts, emails, technological communication, and other channels,” Rizwanuddin said, adding that tenure of three years and nine months played a crucial role in transforming EPFO operations in the region.
He said that targeted outreach and communication with principal employers in construction, railways, hospitality, and education sectors led to a substantial increase in EPFO membership. ‘The number of provident fund accounts rose from 3,60,849 in 2020 to 6,08,539 in 2024-25, reflecting a phenomenal 22.97% growth and signaling enhanced trust and coverage.”
Rizwanuddin said that following a strategic review meeting on May 21, 2022, extensive awareness programs were launched across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Prominent national and regional media outlets, including Doordarshan, All India Radio, Akashvani, and private FM Channels, were engaged. Simultaneously, print and social media in both Hindi and Urdu played a crucial role in educating the public about EPFO schemes and benefits, he added.
Rizwanuddin said that earlier pension disbursement was handled by the Amritsar office. However, since November 2021, it has been managed directly by the Jammu office. Under this initiative, 981 PPOs (Pension Payment Orders) were issued, ensuring timely pension disbursement each month. The adoption of Digital Life Certificates and assistance with bank account openings further eased accessibility for elderly pensioners, he said.
“Under my leadership, Jammu emerged among the top three zonal offices nationwide in e-nomination performance. Of the 67,363 nominations received, 52,635 have been successfully completed. A series of webinars and seminars were conducted to promote awareness and encourage participation,” Rizwanuddin said.
The former PF commissioner said that EPFO Jammu & Kashmir saw significant financial growth, with Account No. 2 income rising from Rs. 821 lakhs in 2021-22 to Rs. 967 lakhs in 2023-24—a growth rate of 7.09%. This growth reflects robust financial management and expanding contributions from members.
“Despite operating with a skeletal staff and limited technological infrastructure, the office continued functioning with flexible hours to process claims efficiently. The Jammu office also managed claim settlements for RO Kashmir and DO Ladakh, overcoming operational challenges in those regions,” he said.
Rizwanuddin said that a total of 94,405 member records were updated using online, primary, and other channels, ensuring greater data accuracy and improved service delivery. “I tried to make EPFO Jammu & Kashmir into a highly responsive, citizen-centric institution. Proactive interventions, and customer-first approach have significantly strengthened the organization’s role in delivering social security benefits to thousands across the region,” he said.
“As I transition to the National Academy in New Delhi, I remain committed to ensuring that the foundation we built here continues to thrive,” Rizwanuddin added.