‘Employee’s Enrolment Scheme-2025’ Announced: Six-Month Window to Register Workers Under EPF

In a major push to bring the country's employees under the ambit of social security, the Central Government has launched the 'Employees' Enrolment Scheme-2025' in New Delhi, on the 73rd Foundation Day of the Employees' Provident Fund Organization, EPFO. The scheme essentially aims at promoting voluntary compliance and covering those employees who were hitherto excluded from the Provident Fund system.

According to the Ministry of Labor, this scheme provides a special opportunity for employers to include eligible employees who were excluded from EPF coverage between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025. The scheme will be open for six months, from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026. During this period, employers can register their employees through the EPFO ​​portal and regularize past compliances.

According to the Ministry, under this scheme, employee contributions are waived if they were not deducted earlier. Employers will only have to pay their share of contributions, interest (under Section 7Q), administrative fees, and a symbolic penalty of ₹100. This one-time penalty of ₹100 per establishment will be considered full compliance for all three EPF schemes. The Ministry has described this step as enhancing transparency and simplicity, which will increase voluntary participation.

The government has also clarified that establishments facing investigations under Section 7A, Paragraph 26B, or Paragraph 8 (EPS-1995) can also apply under this scheme. They will be charged only a nominal impairment charge, i.e., a token penalty of ₹100. The EPFO ​​will not take suo motu action against any establishment, providing relief to employers and an opportunity to rectify past irregularities.