Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) Project –
EPFO Modernisation
Prelims:
Polity & Governance, Economy
Mains:
GS Paper II-Governance, GS Paper III – Economy
Current relevance:
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is
implementing a planned database consolidation and software upgrade under
the Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) project.
Highlights:
1.
Centralised IT-Enabled System (CITES) is a digital
modernisation initiative of the EPFO aimed at improving operational
efficiency through automation, rule-based processing, and a single national
database.
2.
Objective: To modernise EPFO services by providing
transparent, seamless, and citizen-centric digital service delivery across
the country.
3.
Key Features:
i.
It is designed and developed by the Centre for
Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
ii.
It replaces the earlier decentralised system with a
single centralised national database, enabling any EPFO office to process
member service requests.
iii.
Provides a unified digital interface for EPFO
members.
iv.
Enables online KYC updates, claim submission, and
grievance redressal.
v.
Allows members to access their PF balance, service
records, pension details, and claim status using the existing
Universal Account Number (UAN).
vi.
Facilitates electronic claim processing, online
query management, and digital communication for faster service
delivery.
Source: THE HINDU- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/what-is-epfos-new-system-explained/article71164453.ece