Difficult to withdraw or not, I can't say as I have no experience doing so. My father however has done so a couple of times to my knowledge and he has yet to complain about their procedures or processing lead time.

But as to whether EPF is worthy investment platform, unless you have the appetite for high risks, then EPF is a very sound platform. Have yet to see a FD offering higher return than EPF so far. But would be happily corrected if anyone knows otherwise!