Government Notifies EPF Scheme, 2026

Notification No. G.S.R. 525(E), Dated 29.06.2026

The Government has notified the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026, under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The new Scheme supersedes the earlier Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952.

The Scheme consolidates and updates the framework governing provident fund membership, contributions, administration, withdrawals, claims, investments, and the governance of the Fund.

1. Supersession of EPF Scheme, 1952

The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 replaces the existing Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952.

This change forms part of the implementation framework under the Code on Social Security, 2020, which seeks to consolidate and modernise social security laws in India.

2. Provident Fund Membership

The Scheme contains provisions relating to membership of the provident fund.

It lays down the framework for coverage of eligible employees and establishments under the provident fund mechanism.

3. Central Provident Fund Commissioner and Key Officers

The Scheme includes provisions governing the roles of the Central Provident Fund Commissioner, the Financial Adviser, and the Chief Accounts Officer.

It also covers the appointment of officers and employees of the Central Board for the administration and implementation of the Scheme.

4. Appointment and Governance of the Central Board

The Scheme provides information on appointments to the Central Board and its governance structure.

It also covers the composition of the Board of Trustees, which plays an important role in the administration and supervision of the provident fund.

5. Administrative and Financial Powers

The Scheme sets out provisions relating to the administrative and financial powers of the Commissioner.

These provisions are intended to support effective management, supervision and implementation of the provident fund framework.

6. Contributions Under the Scheme

The Scheme consolidates provisions relating to contributions payable by employers and employees.

It provides the regulatory framework for the collection, administration and management of provident fund contributions.

7. Exempted Establishments

The Scheme also covers provisions relating to exempted establishments.

These provisions deal with establishments that may operate their own provident fund arrangements subject to compliance with the conditions prescribed under the applicable law.

8. Withdrawals and Claims

The Scheme contains provisions relating to withdrawal of provident fund amounts and settlement of claims.

This includes the process for claiming benefits from the Fund and the conditions under which withdrawals may be permitted.

9. Investments and Administration of the Fund

The Scheme provides for the investment and administration of provident fund monies.

These provisions are aimed at ensuring proper management, safety and utilisation of the Fund in accordance with the prescribed framework.

10. Effective Date

The Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 shall come into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

11. Objective of the Scheme

The Scheme seeks to:

• Replace and update the earlier EPF framework;
• Align provident fund provisions with the Code on Social Security, 2020;
• Consolidate rules relating to membership, contributions, withdrawals and claims;
• Strengthen governance and administration of the Fund;
• Provide clarity on the role and powers of authorities; and
• Ensure structured management of provident fund contributions and benefits.

12. Key Takeaway

The Government has notified the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 under the Code on Social Security, 2020, superseding the Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952. The new Scheme consolidates provisions relating to provident fund membership, contributions, exempted establishments, withdrawals, claims, investments, administration of the Fund and governance of the Central Board, and will come into force from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.

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