Pronunciation: [jˈuːan] (IPA) 
The word "UAN" is spelled as [ju-æn] in IPA phonetic transcription. The first sound [ju] represents the "yoo" sound, as in "you" or "union." The second sound [æ] represents the short "a" sound, as in "cat" or "hat." The final sound [n] represents the "n" sound, as in "no" or "night." The word "UAN" has no meaning in English, and its pronunciation can be confusing for non-native speakers.
UAN stands for "Universal Account Number." It is a unique identification number allotted by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to every eligible employee who is covered under the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) scheme. The UAN is a central authentication and authorization mechanism that helps streamline various transactions and services related to an individual's EPF account.
The UAN acts as a permanent and portable account number that remains the same throughout an employee's career, even if they change jobs. It helps consolidate multiple EPF accounts held by an individual under a single umbrella. This simplifies the process of managing the EPF accounts and ensures better transparency, accountability, and accessibility for employees.
With the UAN, employees can access their EPF details online, such as their account balance, contribution history, and EPF passbook. They can also conveniently withdraw or transfer their EPF funds through the online portal.
Employers are responsible for generating and allotting the UAN to their employees. The UAN acts as a link between an employee and their EPF account, providing a unique digital identity to facilitate seamless EPF operations and services. It aims to streamline and modernize the EPF system, making it more employee-friendly and efficient.
In summary, the Universal Account Number (UAN) is a unique identification number assigned by the EPFO to employees covered under the EPF scheme. It provides a centralized and portable account for managing EPF contributions, allowing employees to access and manage their EPF accounts easily.
