EPFO Urges Employers to Use Employee Enrolment Scheme (EES)–2025

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Scheme (EES)–2025, a one-time facilitation initiative aimed at expanding EPF coverage and enabling employers to regularise past instances of non-compliance through a simplified and employer-friendly framework.

A nationwide awareness campaign has been rolled out to familiarise employers with the objectives, benefits, and provisions of the Scheme. Simultaneously, EPFO has engaged with various Government authorities to ensure the inclusion of contractual and casual workers within the EPF ecosystem.

Special Compliance Window

The EES–2025 provides a special compliance window of six months beginning in November 2025. During this period, employers may voluntarily enrol eligible employees who were left out of EPF coverage between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2025, and regularise previous defaults. Establishments not yet covered under the EPF Act may also apply for coverage under this initiative and subsequently declare and enrol eligible employees.

Under the Scheme, where employees’ contributions were not deducted earlier, employers are required to deposit only the employer’s share of contributions, along with applicable interest under Section 7Q, administrative charges, and penal damages capped at a lump sum of ₹100. Upon payment, the compliance shall be treated as full and final under all three EPFO-administered schemes.

Eligibility of Ongoing Assessments and Other Schemes

Establishments currently facing assessment or inquiry proceedings are also eligible to avail the benefits of the EES–2025. In addition, benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana may be availed, subject to the applicable terms and conditions.

Employer Outreach and National Objective

EPFO has urged employers to take advantage of this one-time, time-bound opportunity to regularise compliance and contribute towards the national vision of “Social Security for All.” To facilitate participation, EPFO will proactively reach out to identified defaulting establishments through SMS and email, encouraging them to avail the relaxation offered under EES–2025.

Disclaimer: This blog has been written exclusively for educational purposes. The securities mentioned are only examples and not recommendations. This does not constitute a personal recommendation/investment advice. It does not aim to influence any individual or entity to make investment decisions. Recipients should conduct their own research and assessments to form an independent opinion about investment decisions.