The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE), on June 29, 2026, issued the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 under the Code on Social Security, 2020, replacing the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952.
The following has been stated:
The Scheme applies to establishments covered under the Code and lays down a comprehensive framework for provident fund administration. It revises provisions relating to membership, contributions, retention of membership, exemptions, transfer of provident fund accumulations, nominations, partial and final withdrawals, interest calculation, and claim settlement.
The Scheme also introduces a technology-driven compliance framework by mandating electronic registration, UAN-based services, online filings, e-passbooks, electronic maintenance of records, and digital processing of claims. It strengthens governance of exempted establishments through revised conditions for exemption, board of trustees' responsibilities, audit, investment norms, and reporting requirements. Additionally, it updates provisions relating to international workers, voluntary higher contributions, employer and contractor obligations, damages and late fees for defaults, electronic returns, ownership disclosures, and fund administration, with the objective of enhancing transparency, improving ease of compliance, and modernising the Employees' Provident Fund system in line with the Code on Social Security, 2020.
It is effective from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette,
[G.S.R. 525(E).]
