Employee Enrolment Scheme (EES) 2025: Boosting Workforce Formalisation and EPF Coverage

• The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment has launched the Employee Enrolment Scheme (EES) 2025 , a six-month initiative designed to bring unregistered employees under the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) framework. The scheme, active from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026 , aims to simplify EPF compliance, promote formal employment, and encourage voluntary regularisation by employers.

Scope and Objective

• The EES 2025 covers workers who were excluded from EPF benefits between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025 . It provides a one-time opportunity for employers to declare such employees through the EPFO portal without facing heavy penalties or legal complications. Under this scheme, the employee’s contribution will be waived if it was not deducted earlier. Employers are required to deposit only their share of contributions , along with interest, administrative charges, and a nominal ₹100 penalty per establishment —a step aimed at reducing compliance costs and promoting transparency.

Encouraging Voluntary Compliance

• The Ministry clarified that establishments facing inquiries under Section 7A of the EPF Act , Para 26B , or Para 8 of the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 1995 , can also participate. Moreover, the EPFO will not initiate suo motu enforcement action , creating an atmosphere of trust and voluntary disclosure. This inclusive framework is expected to bring lakhs of informal workers into the EPF network, strengthening India’s social security architecture and improving worker protection.

Policy Launch and Reform Vision

• The scheme was launched during the EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya commended EPFO’s efforts in ensuring financial security for Indian workers and urged the organisation to set “new benchmarks in citizen-centric service delivery.” Labour Secretary Vandana Gurnani highlighted the importance of people-oriented reforms that preserve the dignity and well-being of every worker.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• Covers employees engaged between July 1, 2017 – October 31, 2025

• Validity: November 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026

• Employer contribution only , employee share waived

• Penalty: ₹100 per establishment

• Launched during EPFO’s 73rd Foundation Day

Digital Upgrades and Future Outlook

EPFO Commissioner Ramesh Krishnamurthi announced upcoming upgrades under the EPFO 3.0 platform , featuring Aadhaar-linked authentication , centralised pension payments , and faster withdrawal processes . The EES 2025 supports the Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana , reinforcing India’s long-term goal of achieving inclusive economic growth and full workforce formalisation by 2047 .