NEW DELHI, 01-NOV-2025* – In a significant move towards universal social security, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports,
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, today launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025 during the 73rd Foundation Day celebrations of the Employees’
Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).
This special government initiative aims to promote voluntary compliance and extend EPF coverage to eligible employees who have been excluded from the
organized social security net.
Key Features of the Scheme
The scheme provides a six-month window from 1st November 2025 to 30th April 2026 for employers to voluntarily enrol eligible employees
who were left out from EPF coverage between 1st July 2017 and 31st October 2025.
Major benefits and provisions include:
- Waiver of employee’s share for the declared period if not deducted earlier
- Employer’s obligation limited to remitting employer’s share, interest (Section 7Q), administrative charges, and a nominal penalty
- Lump-sum penalty of ₹100 per establishment deemed as compliance across all three EPF schemes
- Eligibility extended to establishments facing inquiries under Section 7A, Para 26B, or Para 8 of EPS-1995
- Protection from suo-motu compliance action by EPFO during the scheme period
Simplifying Past Regularization
The scheme is designed to encourage transparency and simplify the process of regularizing past compliance under the Employees’ Provident Funds and
Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. All establishments, regardless of their existing EPF coverage status, can declare eligible employees through the
EPFO portal.
Towards Social Security for All
This initiative represents a major step in the government’s mission of “Social Security for All” by:
- Facilitating wider EPF coverage
- Promoting formalization of the workforce
- Providing a simplified path for employers to regularize past omissions
- Strengthening India’s organized social safety network
Labour Perspective:
This amnesty-style scheme presents a crucial opportunity to bring millions of uncovered workers into the formal social security system. For employees,
it means access to provident fund, pension, and insurance benefits. For employers, it offers a compliant route to rectify past omissions without heavy
penalties. Ultimately, this initiative strengthens the foundation of worker welfare in India’s growing economy.
This report is based on official updates from the Ministry of Labour & Employment and EPFO.