EPFO requires accurate wage reporting in ECR for ELI scheme eligibility from august 2025

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (“EPFO”) has directed all employers to ensure precise reporting of gross wages in the monthly Electronic Challan-cum-Return (“ECR”) to facilitate the extension of benefits under the Employment Linked Incentive (“ELI”) Scheme to eligible employees.

The scheme grants incentives to employees whose gross monthly wages do not exceed ₹1 lakh, making accurate wage disclosure essential for determining eligibility. This compliance requirement will take effect from the wage month of August 2025. EPFO has further instructed its regional, zonal, and district offices to actively disseminate this mandate and raise awareness among establishments within their respective jurisdictions to ensure smooth implementation.