Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) Schemes & EPFO Integration

The Union Budget presented three flagship Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) schemes designed to spur formal job creation by directly reimbursing EPFO employer and employee contributions for first-time entrants across manufacturing and corporate services.

• Scheme A (First Timers): Direct benefit transfer of one-month wage (up to ₹15,000) in 3 instalments to newly enrolled EPFO employees earning up to ₹1 Lakh/month.
• Scheme B (Job Creation in Manufacturing): Incentives directly linked to additional EPF/ESI hiring in manufacturing over a 4-year cycle.
• Scheme C (Support to Employers): Government reimbursement of up to ₹3,000 per month towards employer EPFO contributions for each additional employee for 2 years.
• Scheme delivery pipe leverages EPFO UAN database to ensure non-duplication and direct biometric tracking.