EPFO amnesty scheme deadline set for October 31

A one-time amnesty scheme by the Ministry of Labour and Employment allows organizations to enroll eligible employees into the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) system before an October 31 deadline. The campaign targets organizations established between April 1, 2009, and March 31, 2026.

Under this provision, the EPFO is waiving the employee's share of past contributions if they were not previously deducted from wages. However, employers must still pay the employer's share, applicable interest, and administrative charges. The scheme applies to both private and government sectors, including establishments already registered with the EPFO.

In Kerala, contract and daily-wage workers in various government departments and public institutions, such as the Kerala Water Authority and KSEB, are calling for government intervention. Many workers face retirement without social security benefits, and they are looking to a recent notification from the Goa government as a potential model for implementation to ensure eligible staff are covered.