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New Employees' Provident Funds Scheme and Amnesty 2026 notified under the Code on Social Security, 2020
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has notified the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 (EPF Scheme, 2026) under the Code on Social Security, 2020, replacing the erstwhile Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952. The notification, dated 29 June 2026 and published in the Official Gazette on 1 July 2026, comes into force with immediate effect from 1 July 2026.
While the new Scheme largely retains the existing provident fund framework, it introduces several important changes relating to contributions, benefits, employer compliance, contract labour, exempted establishments and governance of PF Trusts. The Government has also notified special schemes aimed at addressing historical compliance gaps and long-pending provident fund issues.
Our EY Alert highlights key provisions of the EPF Scheme, 2026, including:
- Coverage and membership provisions
- Revised contribution framework and voluntary contributions
- Withdrawal and partial withdrawal rules
- International worker provisions
- Contract labour and principal employer responsibilities
- Changes relating to exempted establishments and PF Trusts
- New compliance and filing requirements for employers
- Introduction of three special schemes: Employees’ Enrolment Campaign, 2026; VISHWAS, 2026; and AMNESTY, 2026
Given the operational and compliance implications of the new social security framework, employers may consider undertaking a review of their existing payroll, provident fund, contractor management and compliance processes to evaluate readiness under the revised regime. The newly introduced amnesty and regularisation measures may also provide an opportunity to address legacy provident fund matters and historical compliance exposures.
We have attached a brief alert summarizing the key aspects.
Please feel free to reach out if you would like to discuss implications for your organisation.
For further details, please contact:
Sonu Iyer
People Advisory Services
Partner & Leader - India Region
Email: Sonu.Iyer@in.ey.com
Puneet Gupta
People Advisory Services
Partner
Email: Puneet1.Gupta@in.ey.com