EPFO gives companies six months to add employees to PF under new initiative

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) - The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) on Thursday urged employers (companies) to take advantage of a special scheme. Under this scheme, companies are being given six months to enroll employees who were not previously enrolled in the PF (Provident Fund). This opportunity is available for employees who left the scheme between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025.

The EPFO has named this scheme the Employees' Enrollment Scheme (EES)-2025. This is a one-time special scheme aimed at expanding PF access to as many employees as possible and making it easier to correct past errors.

Under this scheme, a six-month extension will be provided, starting in November 2025. During this period, companies can voluntarily enroll eligible employees who were not previously enrolled in the PF. Institutions or companies not yet registered under the EPF Act can also enroll their employees under this scheme.

Under the EES-2025 scheme, if the PF amount was not deducted from the employees earlier, the company will have to deposit only the employer's share in this scheme, along with interest under Section 7Q, applicable administrative charges and a penalty of Rs 100, to be considered fully compliant.

Establishments under investigation can also avail of this scheme. Furthermore, benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Vikas Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PMVVBY) are also included under this scheme, subject to certain conditions. The EPFO has appealed to all employers to take full advantage of this one-time opportunity and contribute to the goal of "social security for all." The EPFO will notify employers who have previously failed to comply with the rules via SMS and email.

The statement said that the EPFO has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to spread information about the scheme. It is also engaging with various government departments to ensure that contract and temporary employees also receive PF benefits.