Nagaland EPFO Dmu commissioner announces new schemes for employees

The Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-II, Samuel Das, from the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Special State Office, Dimapur, held a press meet on Wednesday ,at its office in united colony, Half Nagarjan to brief on the recent achievements and new government initiatives for employees and employers in Nagaland.
He stated that the meeting was aimed at updating the public, through the media, on new schemes launched by the Government of India for the benefit of employees and employers, and to encourage more people in Nagaland to become members of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS).
He began by announcing that the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has won an award at the International Social Security Association (ISSA). The award was presented at a meeting held on October 3, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where India was recognized with the Best Achievement Award in Social Security.
“In 2015, the coverage was only 19%, and it has now risen to 64.3% in 2025,” he said, adding that this represents a significant improvement in social security coverage for India’s working class, benefitting about 940 million citizens. He stated that this recognition was received by union minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on behalf of India.
Das said the award highlights India’s growing role and progress in the area of social security, acknowledging the proactive steps taken by the EPFO and the government of India.
He went on to share that the Dimapur EPFO office itself had been recognized as the Best Remote Office in India. “You can see the trophy and the citation here,” he said, disclosing that the award was presented during the EPFO Foundation Day event held on November 1 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi where Das, along with his colleague Bhattacharjee, received the award on behalf of the Dimapur office.
He expressed pride that Dimapur’s recognition brought honour to Nagaland. “We felt very proud that we represented Nagaland and received the award,” he said, dedicating it to the people and working class of Nagaland and to his dedicated team.
Das highlighted the dedication of his team, sharing that even an employee on maternity leave continued to show concern for office work, reflecting the staff’s strong commitment.
Das said he introduced the Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yojana (PMVBRY), launched by the Government of India on August 1, 2025 which is a flagship employment-linked incentive program with a budget allocation of Rs. 99,446 crore — nearly Rs.1 lakh crore — dedicated to supporting workers across India.
“This scheme is for people working in factories, industries, non-factory establishments, companies, and NGOs,” he said, urging employees in Nagaland, including those in media organizations, to take advantage of this opportunity.
He explained that employees becoming EPF members for the first time can receive up to Rs15,000 from the government in two instalments — Rs7,500 after six months and another Rs.7,500 after a year, following a literacy course. Those rejoining the EPF after a gap (rejoiners) are also eligible for similar benefits.
Addressing common reluctance among workers, he appealed to employees to come forward and enrol under the scheme, assuring that the process directly benefits them through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). He noted that while participation across India has been high, Nagaland’s uptake has been slow, and as such, urged employees to coordinate with their employers.
He emphasized that the scheme also benefits employers, who can receive up to ₹3,000 per employee for every new enrolment. “It’s a win-win situation,” he said, explaining that both employees and employers stand to gain financially under the program.
Das stated that there are currently about 25,000 EPF subscribers in Nagaland. He expressed hope that the number would increase to one lakh, adding that the Dimapur office will promote the scheme during the upcoming Hornbill Festival through an awareness stall.
Introducing another major initiative, Das spoke about the Employee Enrolment Scheme (EES) 2025, launched on November 1, 2025. He described it as a limited-period amnesty scheme allowing employers to declare and enrol employees who had been excluded from EPF coverage between July 2017 and October 31, 2025.
Under this scheme, he explained, employers can enroll such employees without facing legal penalties or back payments, except for a token penalty of Rs.100. The employees, he clarified, are exempted from paying any arrears, while the employer only has to contribute their share.
“This is an amnesty for employers,” he said, adding that no questions would be asked regarding past non-enrolment. The only requirement is that employers declare the eligible employees through the EPFO’s online portal
Das noted that the EES 2025 provides a valuable opportunity for employers to regularize their workforce, as failure to enroll eligible employees in the past would typically attract heavy penalties and legal action.
He reminded that the scheme has a limited window and urged employers to make use of it at the earliest.
During the interaction, Das shared that since April 2025, the EPFO Dimapur office has conducted 73 awareness meetings across Nagaland — including Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha, and Tuensang — with plans to visit Mokokchung soon.
He acknowledged that while some employers have shown enthusiasm, others remain hesitant due to concerns about penalties. “We are happy when employers ask questions because it gives us the chance to clarify,” he said.
He mentioned that EPFO also engages with public sector units, schools, private hospitals, and small industries to spread awareness and that the office plans to hold a meeting with the Department of Industries and MSMEs to further publicize the schemes.
When asked whether any complaints had been received from employees regarding being deprived of EPF benefits, Mr. Das said that no formal complaints had been lodged since his joining in April. He, however, encouraged workers to come forward and assured that their identities would remain confidential.
Das revealed that between April and October 2025, the Dimapur office held 73 awareness sessions, both in-person and virtual, to inform workers and employers about EPFO benefits and new initiatives.
Das concluded by reiterating that the EPFO Dimapur office is committed to ensuring that all eligible workers in Nagaland are brought under the social security net and that both employees and employers make full use of the government’s welfare schemes.