The Indian Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has officially rolled out the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 (EEC 2025) a bold initiative intended to bring millions more workers under the umbrella of social security via the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO). The campaign, set to run from 1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026, aims to regularize past lapses in EPFO membership and widen formal employment coverage.
In this article, we examine the objectives, structure, benefits, challenges, and expected impact of EEC 2025 and whether it can reshape India’s social security landscape.
Why This Campaign Matters
India’s labor market has long been characterized by a large informal sector, where many workers do not enjoy provident fund, pension, or formal social security benefits. The government views this campaign as an opportunity to bridge the gap, enhance worker welfare, and strengthen compliance in employer obligations.
EEC 2025 is a continuation of efforts initiated previously .notably a similar campaign in 2017 that targeted left-out employees between 2009 and 2016. With evolving economic conditions and new employment patterns in the post-pandemic era, the 2025 campaign places fresh emphasis on catching up on unregistered eligible employees from July 2017 onward.
By encouraging voluntary regularization, the scheme attempts to balance enforcement with incentive, reducing legal risk for employers while securing social security for employees.
Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025
The EEC 2025 comes with several relaxations and incentives for employers to encourage participation.
- Duration – November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026.
- Eligibility – Employees who joined between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, but were not enrolled under EPF earlier.
- Waiver for Employees – If an employer did not deduct the employee’s PF share during that period, that contribution is waived.
- Employer’s Obligation – Employers will only need to pay their own share of contributions for the past period.
- Nominal Penalty – A flat penalty of ₹100 per declaration — compared to heavy fines normally imposed for non-compliance.
- Legal Protection – EPFO will not take suo motu action against employers who come forward under this scheme.
- Link with PM Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PM-VBRY) – Employers may become eligible for government benefits under this program.
- Online Declaration – All applications must be made through the EPFO’s official portal, ensuring transparency and ease of registration.
The government clarified that the campaign is open even for establishments under inquiry, allowing them to make declarations and regularize employees without waiting for ongoing proceedings to conclude.
Objective: To Formalize the Workforce
The campaign’s core objective is to expand India’s formal employment base and ensure that workers in all sectors — especially contract and temporary staff are protected under the social security system.
With over 70 million active EPFO subscribers, the organization plays a crucial role in safeguarding the retirement savings of employees across industries. Officials said that millions more could now be added through this special enrolment window.
Labour Minister Bhupender Yadav said the government’s focus remains on ensuring every eligible worker gains access to the Provident Fund and other benefits.
“EEC 2025 provides a fair chance to employers and a financial safety net for workers. It’s a partnership for inclusive growth,” the minister said.
Benefits for Employers and Employees
For Employees
- They gain access to a lifetime savings fund, pension, and insurance.
- Employees’ past share of contribution is waived if not deducted earlier.
- Brings them under a formal financial system, aiding future credit and loan eligibility.
For Employers
- Legal immunity from action for non-registration in the past.
- Minimal financial liability only the employer’s past contribution and a ₹100 penalty.
- Enhanced credibility and compliance rating with labor authorities.
- Opportunity to avail government incentives for new enrolments.
Experts say the campaign is a win-win for both parties employees secure their futures, while employers can rectify past lapses affordably.
Comparison with 2017 Campaign
A similar campaign was launched in 2017, covering employees left out between 2009 and 2016. However, the 2025 version is more comprehensive featuring lower penalties, simpler digital compliance, and a broader eligibility range.
Officials highlighted that while the 2017 drive enrolled around 1.2 million workers, EEC 2025 could bring in double that number, thanks to improved outreach and online access.
A Push Toward “Viksit Bharat” Vision
The government has been emphasizing the concept of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047. Expanding social security and formalizing employment are seen as central to achieving this vision.
The EPFO, under the Ministry of Labour, currently manages assets worth over ₹20 lakh crore, making it one of the world’s largest social security funds. By expanding its coverage, the fund’s stability and contribution pool will grow significantly.
Economists believe that this initiative could also contribute to higher financial inclusion, better workforce data, and more stable labor relations.
Challenges Ahead
While the campaign has received praise, experts also point out potential challenges:
- Low Awareness: Many small firms may not know about the scheme or may delay participation.
- Financial Burden: MSMEs might struggle to pay past employer contributions.
- Data Accuracy: Employers need to ensure correct employee details to avoid rejection.
- Implementation Speed: A six-month window may not be enough for larger organizations with complex data.
- Fraud Risk: Authorities must monitor to prevent fake or inflated enrolments.
To address these, EPFO has started awareness drives across industrial hubs and through its regional offices to guide employers.
Industry Reaction
Business associations and labor unions have largely welcomed the move. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) called it a “balanced reform” that combines compliance relief with worker welfare. “The government has taken a pragmatic approach. The ₹100 penalty and waiver of employee contribution make it feasible for MSMEs,” said a CII spokesperson.
Labor unions, too, lauded the campaign but urged the government to establish helplines and grievance redressal mechanisms for workers who were not enrolled even after declaration.
Digital Push and Transparency
EEC 2025 is built on EPFO’s digital ecosystem, ensuring real-time tracking, automatic calculations, and secure payments. Employers can download acknowledgement receipts, and employees can verify their registration through the UMANG or EPFO mobile apps. This online transparency, officials said, will help prevent misuse and ensure that workers’ records remain updated.
Expected Impact
According to projections from the Labour Ministry, the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 could:
- Add over 2 million new members to EPFO.
- Increase monthly contributions by ₹1,500 crore nationwide.
- Strengthen India’s formal job data and labor market structure.
- Encourage long-term savings and pension coverage.
If implemented successfully, it could become one of the largest social security expansion initiatives in India’s history.
The launch of the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 represents a major step in the government’s ongoing labor reforms and commitment to “Ease of Doing Business”. For employers, it’s a chance to correct past errors without fear. For employees, it’s a gateway to security and dignity in retirement. For the government, it’s a stride toward an organized, welfare driven economy.
As the six-month enrolment window begins in November, all eyes will be on how many organizations come forward and how effectively the EPFO can turn policy intent into measurable impact.
