India continues to make steady strides toward a more inclusive and transparent employment ecosystem. In its latest move to strengthen social security for the workforce, the Government of India has launched the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 (EEC 2025) under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 (EPF Act).
This campaign, effective from 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026, offers a one-time opportunity for employers to voluntarily enrol eligible employees who were previously left out of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) framework.
By simplifying compliance and encouraging voluntary participation, EEC 2025 represents a forward-looking step toward expanding organized sector coverage and enhancing employee welfare across India.
Why This Campaign Matters
Over the years, India has witnessed a growing emphasis on formalization of the workforce. Yet, many eligible employees remain outside the ambit of the EPF Scheme due to administrative oversights, misclassification, or lack of awareness.
The Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 seeks to correct this by providing employers an opportunity to regularize coverage without facing punitive consequences, while ensuring that workers gain access to long-term social security benefits.
At its core, this initiative reflects the government’s intent to simplify regulatory obligations and build trust between employers and employees, reinforcing the “Ease of Doing Business” vision.
Key Highlights of EEC 2025
1. Broad Applicability
The campaign covers all employers, whether or not previously registered under the EPF Act. Eligible employees include those who:
• Joined between 1 July 2017 and 31 October 2025,
• Are alive and currently employed on the date of declaration, and
• Were not earlier enrolled in the EPF Scheme for any reason.
The campaign also applies even to establishments currently under inquiry under the EPF Act or related schemes, making it truly inclusive in scope.
2. Contribution and Compliance Framework
Employers availing of this campaign must:
• Pay past contributions (from 1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025) along with interest and administrative charges.
• Are not required to deposit the employee’s share if it was not deducted from salaries during the relevant period.
• Use Face Authentication-based UAN generation through the UMANG app and process payments via Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR).
• Pay a nominal ₹100 lump-sum damage charge at the time of contribution.
Additionally, employers declaring employees under EEC 2025 may also qualify for incentives under the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana, subject to meeting prescribed conditions.
The Perspective
The launch of EEC 2025 is not merely a compliance initiative — it’s an opportunity for organizations to build trust, transparency, and long-term value in their employment practices.
By regularizing previously uncovered employees, businesses can strengthen their reputation as responsible employers while aligning with national goals of social protection and formal employment.
At the same time, the campaign reduces historical compliance risks, providing employers with a practical path to reconcile their records.
It is recommended that organizations:
• Conduct a thorough review of payroll and HR data from July 2017 onwards to identify unregistered employees.
• Assess their current EPF compliance processes and documentation.
• Seek professional guidance to ensure correct declarations and maximize benefits under the scheme.
In Conclusion
The Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 marks a progressive move toward a more secure and compliant employment landscape in India. It bridges historical compliance gaps while reaffirming the nation’s commitment to protecting the social security rights of its workforce.
For employers, this is more than a regulatory update, it’s an invitation to lead by example in shaping a fairer, more transparent, and future-ready workplace.