Bhagalpur EPFO Launches Awareness Campaign Ahead of ELI Scheme Rollout

With the recent approval of the Employment-linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Bhagalpur regional office has kicked off an awareness initiative aimed at familiarising stakeholders with the upcoming benefits, as per Times of India report.

ELI Scheme: Objectives and Coverage

The scheme, designed to improve job creation and enhance social security, has 2 key components incentives for first-time employees and financial support for employers hiring additional staff.

The EPFO regional office in Bhagalpur, which oversees operations across 14 districts including Munger, Purnia, Saharsa, and Katihar, is informing employers and workers particularly in the manufacturing sector about how they can benefit. The region currently services 14,000 establishments, over 3.7 lakh UANs, and around 27,000 pensioners.

Benefits for First-Time Employees

Under the first component of the scheme, new employees registering with EPFO for the first time will be eligible for 1month’s wage (up to ₹15,000) in 2 instalments:

• First instalment: Paid after completing 6 months of continuous employment.
• Second instalment: Given after completing 1year of service, provided the employee completes a financial literacy module.

Employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month are eligible under this component.

Incentives for Employers Hiring New Staff

The second part of the ELI scheme provides monthly incentives to employers who hire new employees and retain them for at least 6 months:

• ₹1,000/month for employees earning up to ₹10,000
• ₹2,000/month for salaries between ₹10,000–₹20,000
• ₹3,000/month for salaries ranging from ₹20,000–₹1 lakh

While the standard incentive duration is 2 years, employers in the manufacturing sector are eligible for extended incentives of up to 4 years.

To qualify, employers must ensure the new hires are employed for a minimum of 6 consecutive months.

Scheme Timeline and Implementation

The ELI scheme will cover employment generated between August 1, 2025, and July 31, 2027. The EPFO is urging eligible establishments to prepare for compliance and take full advantage of the scheme.

Read More: Ludhiana: EPFO pensioners can now submit life certificate online.

Conclusion

As the ELI scheme gears up for implementation, the ongoing awareness efforts by EPFO Bhagalpur aim to ensure that both employers and employees understand the benefits and eligibility criteria clearly. 

With structured incentives designed to encourage formal employment and support workforce expansion, the scheme could offer practical advantages to participants especially in the manufacturing sector. Stakeholders are advised to stay informed, maintain proper records, and assess how the scheme aligns with their employment practices over the coming years.

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