EPFO: In the life of a working person, Provident Fund (EPF) is not just a savings account but is the strongest foundation of social security and support in old age. It is often seen that due to lack of information or negligence of the company, many eligible employees are deprived of this security cover. Similarly, giving relief to lakhs of employees and employers, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has taken a big initiative. The Ministry of Labor and Employment has announced ‘Employee Enrollment Scheme-2025’ (EES-2025), which has brought a golden opportunity to correct past mistakes.
What is this ‘Golden Window’?
The main objective of this new scheme is to bring under the ambit of EPF those employees who, due to some reason, were till now untouched by it. EPFO has opened a special compliance window for employers which will run for the next six months.
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During this period, employers across the country can enroll in the PF scheme those employees who were in employment between July 1, 2017 to October 31, 2025, but were not given the benefit of EPF. This scheme is like an ‘amnesty scheme’ for those companies which till now had failed to deduct the PF of their employees. Now they can come forward voluntarily and provide this right to their employees without getting into any legal trouble.
Fine of only Rs 100
Under this scheme, if employers rectify their mistake, they will have to deposit only a nominal penalty amount of Rs 100. Further, in cases where employees’ contribution was not earlier deducted, the employer will have to deposit only his (employer’s) share, interest under section 7Q and administrative charges. This simply means that the employee contribution of previous years (which was not deducted) can be exempted from the obligation to deposit it now, which will reduce the financial burden on the companies.
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