What is the EPFO's EES-2025 scheme? Who will benefit: the employee or the employer?
The EPFO has launched the One-Time Employee Enrollment Scheme (EFS)-2025, under which employers have been given a six-month compliance period to voluntarily enroll eligible employees who remained out of EPF coverage between July 2017 and October 2025. The scheme includes limited penalties and a simplified process.
The Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) has urged employers to take advantage of a special one-time enrollment scheme. Under this scheme, eligible employees have been given a six-month period to be brought under the EPF ambit.
According to an official statement issued on Thursday, this move aims to expand social security coverage and facilitate the regularization of employees who left the scheme between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025. Let us also tell you what this special EPFO scheme is and how to avail its benefits.
One Time Enrolment Window under EES-2025
The EPFO has launched the Employment Enrolment Scheme (EES)-2025 to simplify compliance for employers. The scheme provides a six-month period, starting November 2025, for establishments to voluntarily enroll eligible employees who were previously excluded from EPF coverage.
The statement said that establishments that were previously not covered under the EPF Act can apply for coverage during this period and subsequently declare and enroll eligible employees. This initiative will also help employers regularize past defaults without facing lengthy legal proceedings or complex procedures.
Companies will get this kind of relief
Under EES-2025, employers will receive relief in cases where employee contributions were not previously deducted. In such situations, employers will only be required to deposit the employer's share, along with interest under Section 7Q, administrative charges, and punitive damages limited to a lump sum of ₹100.
The scheme also entitles establishments facing valuation scrutiny. Additionally, benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Vikas Bharat Rojgar Yojana can be availed, subject to the terms and conditions of that scheme.
Calling this a timely opportunity, EPFO has urged employers to participate and contribute to the national vision of "Social Security for All."
To ensure widespread participation, the organization will contact identified defaulting employers through SMS and email, encouraging them to regularize pending compliances under EES-2025.
A nationwide awareness campaign has also been launched to familiarize employers with the scheme's provisions and benefits. Additionally, EPFO has contacted various government authorities to enroll contract and casual workers under the EPF framework.
EPFO