India’s Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation revealed that Rs 9,330 crore remains unclaimed in 30.91 lakh inoperative EPF accounts nationwide. The disclosure surfaced through an RTI response as the new EPF Scheme, 2026 officially came into effect recently. Authorities introduced the updated scheme to simplify provident fund regulations and strengthen digital services for subscribers.
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Millions of EPF Accounts Still Hold Unclaimed Retirement Savings
According to EPFO data, inactive accounts declined slightly from 31.83 lakh during 2025 to 30.91 lakh during 2026. The unclaimed amount also reduced from Rs 10,181 crore to Rs 9,330 crore within one financial year. Officials described the improvement as modest despite several ongoing digital reforms and awareness initiatives nationwide currently.
The unclaimed provident fund balance nearly equals government spending under the UDAN regional connectivity scheme since 2016. Analysts also compared the dormant savings with the Union government’s Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY healthcare allocation recently. Experts noted the amount could theoretically finance construction of three IIT campuses across India with funds remaining afterward.
Dormant Funds Worth Rs 9,330 Crore Raise Transparency Concerns
India Today sought six-year data regarding dormant EPF accounts and unclaimed balances through the RTI application recently. However, the EPFO provided records only for financial years 2025 and 2026 during its official response. Authorities explained the Inoperative Accounts Cell became operational during 2025-26, limiting access to older historical records.
The EPFO also refused disclosing Aadhaar-linked inactive accounts and balances exceeding Rs 5 lakh nationwide recently. Officials cited fiduciary relationship provisions under the RTI Act while rejecting requests for additional account information. Experts believe stronger transparency, digital verification, and awareness campaigns could reduce inactive EPF accounts significantly nationwide.
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