EPFO Holds Workshop for Exempted Establishments in Noida, Explains EPF Scheme 2026 and Amnesty Scheme – Indian PSU

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), through its Regional Office, Noida, organised a workshop for exempted establishments at ITC Fortune, Sector 27, Noida, on July 31, 2026. The workshop aimed to familiarise exempted establishments with the proposed exemption provisions under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, the Amnesty Scheme-2026, investment management practices and the evolving compliance framework governing exempted provident fund trusts.

Representatives from exempted establishments located in Noida, Greater Noida, Agra, Meerut and Bareilly participated in the programme along with Members of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) and senior EPFO officials.

The programme commenced with the traditional lamp-lighting ceremony. Welcoming the participants, Suyash Pandey, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I, Noida, highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between EPFO and employers to ensure timely compliance in an evolving labour law and digital governance environment.

Delivering the keynote address, Pawan Kumar Singh, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I (Uttar Pradesh Zone), elaborated on the proposed exemption framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020, and the EPF Scheme, 2026. He explained that the revised framework seeks to streamline the grant and renewal of exemptions by introducing a three-year validity period, subject to compliance with prescribed conditions.

He further informed participants that the proposed eligibility criteria include a minimum of 500 contributing members and a cumulative provident fund corpus of ₹50 crore. The framework also envisages mandatory digital record maintenance, online reporting, statutory audits and secure, time-bound transfer of provident fund balances whenever an exemption expires or is withdrawn.

A detailed presentation was also made on the Amnesty Scheme-2026, which provides a one-time opportunity for establishments operating recognised provident fund trusts under the Income Tax Act but lacking a formal exemption notification. The scheme allows eligible establishments to seek Retrospective Trust Regularisation, offers relaxation in specified eligibility conditions and facilitates resolution of pending cases. The scheme will remain open for six months from the date of its notification.

Vineet Nahata, Member, Central Board of Trustees, conducted a technical session on investment management for exempted provident fund trusts. Stressing the importance of safeguarding employees’ retirement savings, he emphasised capital protection, prudent diversification of investment portfolios and balanced investments across government securities, sovereign green bonds and other permitted financial instruments.

Addressing the gathering, Ashish Mohan Wig, Member, Central Board of Trustees, underlined the importance of strong governance, transparency and compliance in the functioning of exempted provident fund trusts.

Uday Baxi, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner (UP Zone), stated that the proposed provisions under the Social Security Code, 2020, and the EPF Scheme, 2026, are designed to make the compliance ecosystem simpler, more transparent and accountable. During the interaction session, employers from Regional Offices covering Noida, Greater Noida, Agra, Meerut and Bareilly appreciated EPFO’s initiatives and expressed satisfaction with the organisation’s services.

An interactive session enabled participants to seek clarifications on exemption procedures, provident fund trust management, compliance obligations and implementation challenges. Senior EPFO officials addressed practical concerns raised by employers and trust representatives.

The workshop also witnessed the release of a coffee table book, followed by the presentation of mementoes to dignitaries and participants.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Kumar Raghvendra, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II, Noida, who expressed gratitude to all speakers, participants and dignitaries. He expressed confidence that the workshop would strengthen awareness of the proposed legal and procedural changes while improving compliance among exempted establishments.

Apart from the senior EPFO officials, representatives from several prominent organisations participated in the workshop, including Indian Oil Corporation, Hindustan Unilever Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Dabur India Limited, NTPC Dadri, Honda India Power Products Limited, Asian Paints Ltd., Food Corporation of India, DENSO India Pvt. Ltd., Bajaj Hindustan Sugar Limited, IFFCO Aonla, Shriram Pistons & Rings Ltd., Modicare Limited and several other exempted establishments and provident fund trusts.