"Registration of digital signature with EPFO is not mandatory. However, field offices of EPFO have been instructed to make maximum efforts to obtain digital signatures of the employers or their representatives," Minister of State for Labour and Employment Kodikunnil Suresh said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.
However, the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is implementing the digital signature facility for online settlement of PF account transfer claims on changing jobs, he said.
The EPFO has already informed all employers which come under its purview that the process of registration of digital signatures has begun.
An analysis of employer filings between February 2013 and June 2013 shows that out of 7,43,045 enrolled establishments with EPFO, 5,232 reported more than 1,000 contributing members (workers).