EPFO: Suppose you’re an employee whose PF (Provident Fund) hasn’t been deducted yet, or an employer who wants to extend PF benefits to their remaining employees. In that case, the Ministry of Labor and Employment has presented you with an unprecedented opportunity. The government has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025.
This scheme aims to provide social security benefits under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) to a larger number of employees. Along with this announcement, Union Labor and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also launched the EPFO’s new website, www.epfo.gov.in, making it easier than ever to find services.
Employee Enrolment Scheme
The Employee Enrolment Scheme – 2025 is essentially a one-time opportunity for employers. This scheme allows all employees who joined their jobs between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, but who, for some reason, did not receive PF coverage, to be covered under the EPF. The scheme will be open for a full six months, from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. During this period, employers can correct their records and include these employees in the PF scheme, providing future security to millions of workers.
Who can apply
This scheme applies to all companies and institutions, whether or not they are already covered under EPF. Employers will be required to register their employees’ details on the EPFO portal through the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) system. Additionally, it will be mandatory for each employee to create a face authentication-based UAN (Universal Account Number) through the UMANG app.
Employers Get Significant Relief
This scheme provides employers with several special concessions to enroll their employees in the PF scheme, reducing their long-standing financial burden. If PF was not previously deducted, the employer will not be required to deposit the employee’s contribution. A nominal penalty of only ₹100 will be applicable on all EPF schemes. This is a significant relief compared to the hefty penalties under the old rules.
Employers will only have to pay their PF contributions, interest on them (Section 7Q), and administrative fees. If a company is already under investigation (Section 7A, Paragraph 26B, or Paragraph 8 of the EPS-1995), it can still avail of this scheme, and the penalty will be limited to only ₹100. Furthermore, if the dues of old employees are paid, the EPFO will not file any new suo motu action on matters related to old employees.
What Benefits Will Employees Get
This scheme is a boon for employees who were unable to enroll in the EPFO previously for any reason. Now, they have direct access to important benefits like PF, pension, and insurance. This will provide millions of workers with long-term savings, retirement security, and social protection, leading to a brighter future.
EPFO’s New Website Launched
On this occasion, the EPFO has completely restructured its website. Members, employers, and pensioners will now be able to find and access services on www.epfo.gov.in with a simpler interface, improved navigation, and simplified access. This scheme not only provides protection to employees but also gives employers a final and easy opportunity to meet legal compliance.
