EPFO Unveils Major Social Security Reforms, Employment Incentives and Digital Services

Udaipur: The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) is expanding India's social security framework through simplified procedures, technology-driven services, and new welfare initiatives, said Ajit Kumar, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Zonal Head (Rajasthan), during a press conference at the EPFO Regional Office in Udaipur on Friday. Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I P.K. Sinha was also present.

Ajit Kumar said the Centre has consolidated 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes, marking a major reform in worker welfare. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme-2026, Employees' Pension Scheme-2026, and Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme-2026 were notified on June 29, 2026. The new schemes aim to expand social security coverage, simplify compliance, and strengthen digital service delivery.

A Special Employee Enrollment Campaign is being conducted from July 1 to October 31, 2026, to bring eligible workers who are not yet covered under EPF into the social security system. The campaign waives employee contributions and requires only a nominal late fee of ₹100. The Amnesty Scheme and Vishwas Scheme will also help establishments resolve compliance issues and settle pending cases voluntarily.

Highlighting the Prime Minister Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), Kumar said the scheme provides financial incentives to first-time employees entering the formal workforce and to establishments generating additional employment. In Rajasthan, more than 45,000 youth have received financial assistance of around ₹21 crore, while 2,515 establishments have been provided incentives worth nearly ₹54 crore.

In the Udaipur region, 4,095 of the 4,722 registered establishments have joined the scheme. Around 1,062 young employees have received direct benefit transfers amounting to ₹49.21 lakh.

Kumar also outlined several digital initiatives introduced by EPFO, including a Centralised Pension Payment System, online KYC and profile updates, automated claim settlement, and simplified advance withdrawal rules. Eligible members can now withdraw up to 75 percent of the admissible amount for medical treatment, education, marriage, or housing needs.

Under the revised EDLI Scheme, the family of a deceased member is eligible for insurance coverage of up to ₹7 lakh. Employees completing 12 months or more of service are entitled to a minimum insurance benefit of ₹2.5 lakh, while those with less than one year of service will receive a minimum benefit of ₹50,000.

Ajit Kumar urged industries, employers, trade organisations, employees, and young job seekers to take full advantage of EPFO's initiatives and contribute to expanding formal employment and social security coverage across the country.