EPFO launches drive to bring uncovered workers into provident fund scheme

The EPFO has initiated a special campaign to identify and enrol workers who were eligible for provident fund coverage but were not registered by their employers. The initiative allows employers to rectify such omissions and bring these employees into the fold of the statutory pension scheme.

Under the scheme, employers can regularise the past coverage gaps for eligible workers. In specified circumstances, the employee's share of contributions may be waived, reducing the financial burden on workers who should have been covered earlier. This provision is aimed at protecting workers' retirement interests while encouraging employer compliance.

Workers who believe they have been left out of EPFO coverage despite meeting eligibility criteria should verify their status with their employers or the EPFO directly. The regularisation window remains open until October 31, after which the deadline for this special campaign will close.

The EPFO's move is part of broader efforts to expand the reach of statutory social security coverage across India's workforce. Officials have urged both employers and workers to take advantage of the regularisation opportunity before the deadline expires.