What does the EPF provide to employees upon retirement?

The Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) is designed to support employees in building a retirement fund that they can access upon retirement. The correct choice, which indicates that the EPF provides a lump sum amount consisting of contributions and interest, accurately reflects the nature of the EPF system.

When employees contribute to the EPF, both they and their employers make monthly contributions to the fund over the duration of their employment. This cumulative amount, along with the interest accrued over the years, is paid out as a lump sum when the employee retires. This structure allows employees to receive the total benefits they have saved up, which can significantly aid in their financial stability during retirement.

In contrast, the other choices do not accurately describe the primary benefit provided by the EPF. A monthly pension is typically associated with other types of retirement plans but is not the mechanism employed by the EPF. Access to government bonds and exclusive investment opportunities are not standard benefits provided to EPF members upon retirement. These options may be available through different financial services but do not pertain specifically to the EPF's offerings at the time of retirement.