The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme 2025, a special six-month compliance window starting November 1, 2025. This aims to bring unregistered employees under the provident fund (PF) system and widen social security coverage.
The scheme allows employers to voluntarily declare workers who were not enrolled in the PF system earlier. It applies to employees who joined between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025. The window will remain open until April 30, 2026.
Employers who opt for the scheme must pay their share of PF contributions for the eligible period, along with applicable interest and administrative charges. However, the employee’s share will be waived if it was never deducted from wages. To encourage participation, the EPFO has limited penal damages to a flat ₹100 per establishment instead of standard penalties. Once declared, the organisation will not face any suo-motu action for past omissions related to those employees.
The initiative is open to all establishments, whether already registered with EPFO or not. Even firms under inquiry for non-compliance can participate. Declarations and payments must be made through the EPFO’s online portal.
Officials said the scheme offers employers a chance to correct past lapses without heavy penalties while securing PF benefits for previously uncovered workers. It is expected to benefit thousands across sectors, especially small and medium enterprises that may have missed enrolments over the years.
By simplifying compliance and reducing financial burden, the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme – 2025 marks a major step toward expanding formal employment and ensuring retirement security for more workers. Employers are encouraged to review workforce records from 2017 onward and complete enrolments before the April 2026 deadline.
