Expanding the safety net: Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025

India is taking a bold step toward strengthening social security for its workforce with the launch of the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 (EEC 2025) by the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Running from November 1, 2025, to April 30, 2026, this campaign aims to bring employees who have remained outside the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) system into the fold, giving them access to retirement benefits and a more secure financial future.

More on the Initiative:

This initiative builds on the success of the 2017 campaign, which targeted employees joining establishments between 2009 and 2016. EEC 2025 focuses on those who joined between July 1, 2017, and October 31, 2025, but were never enrolled in the EPF scheme. For employers, this is an opportunity to voluntarily declare and enroll eligible employees, fostering compliance while strengthening the social security network for their workforce.

A particularly attractive feature of the campaign is the waiver of the employee’s share of the contribution for the period they were previously unenrolled. Employers are required to pay only their share, along with a nominal penalty of ₹100 per employee a far cry from the usual heavy penalties for non-compliance. This makes it easier for businesses to come forward and ensure their employees are covered.

Beyond compliance, EEC 2025 is a game-changer in formalizing employment in India. By bringing more workers under the EPF umbrella, it not only provides access to crucial retirement benefits but also encourages a culture of long-term financial planning and security. The campaign is expected to boost participation in formal employment, supporting India’s broader economic and social objectives.

The process has been made simple and accessible, with employers able to declare and enroll employees online through the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) portal. This digital approach ensures a smooth enrollment experience, encouraging wider adoption and participation across industries.

Conclusion:

In essence, the Employees’ Enrolment Campaign 2025 is more than just a compliance exercise it is a landmark step toward creating a safer, more secure, and inclusive workplace in India. By incentivizing employers and offering protection to employees who were previously outside the system, this campaign is poised to transform the way India’s workforce approaches social security.