– Effective from August 1,2025.
– Targets employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month and registered with EPFO.
– First-time employees will recieve one month’s wage up to ₹15,000 in two instalments of ₹7,500 each after six months and twelve months of service.
– completion of a financial literacy program is mandatory for the second instalment.
– Employers can get up to ₹3,000 per month per additional employee for two years. For manufacturing sector employers,this benefit extends to four years.
– Establishments with less than (<)50 employees must hire at least two additional workers; those with ≥50 workers must hire five more employees on a sustained basis for six months.
the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme marks a notable step toward job creation in India. By providing direct monetary benefits to both employers and first-time employees aligned with EPFO registration norms, it acts as an economic safety net while encouraging workforce expansion. The framework incentivizes sustained employment-a proactive move targeting industries impacted by unemployment challenges.
Manufacturing-specific extensions reflect a sectoral priority given its role in boosting India’s GDP growth trajectory post-pandemic disruptions. However, implementation success rests on employer compliance and efficient monitoring mechanisms by EPFO teams over time. The operational timeline spanning from August ’25 till July ’27 ensures immediate yet strategically planned workforce integration across industries.
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