EPFO Launches Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025

In a landmark move to boost social security inclusion, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025. The initiative was announced by Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on 1 November 2025, during EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day celebrations in New Delhi.

The scheme opens a 6-month window (1 Nov 2025 to 30 Apr 2026) for employers to voluntarily declare employees who were missed from EPF coverage between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2025. It promotes voluntary compliance by offering major waivers and simplified penalties—ushering in a stronger push toward “Social Security for All.”

What is the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025?

This scheme allows employers to regularize eligible employees not enrolled under EPF earlier and waives penalties and employee contributions if not previously deducted.

Key Features

• Eligibility Period: Applies to employees who joined between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2025.
• Scheme Window: Valid from 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026.
• Who Can Apply: All establishments, regardless of current EPF registration, can declare missed employees via the EPFO portal.
• Waivers: Employee share waived if not deducted earlier & Employer pays only their own contribution + interest (Section 7Q), admin charges, and a nominal ₹100 penalty per establishment.
• Simplified Compliance: ₹100 lump-sum penalty covers damages across all three EPF schemes.
• Even If Under Inquiry: Establishments under Section 7A, Para 26B, or Para 8 of EPS-1995 remain eligible.

Notably, no suo-motu action will be initiated by EPFO against employers during this window, offering a no-fear incentive to comply.

Why This Scheme Matters

The Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025 is a major step toward bringing India’s informal workforce under the umbrella of organised social security. Many eligible workers, especially in small firms or unregistered units, were left out due to oversight or avoidance.

The scheme,

• Reduces financial burden on employers through waivers.
• Encourages transparency and voluntary correction.
• Strengthens EPF’s goal of universal inclusion.
• Supports the government’s broader formalisation agenda under labour reforms.
• Helps workers access long-term retirement savings, insurance benefits, and pension rights.

Static Facts

• Scheme Name: Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025
• Launched by: Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment
• Launch Date: 1 November 2025
• Effective Period: 1 Nov 2025 – 30 Apr 2026
• Eligibility Period for Employees: 1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025
• Employee Share: Waived if not deducted earlier
• Employer Contribution: To be paid with interest + admin charges + ₹100 penalty
• Penalty: ₹100 lump-sum per establishment