The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), Nagaland has appealed to all employers across the state to ensure timely enrollment of eligible employees under its Provident Fund (PF) schemes. Regional provident fund commissioner-II, Samuel Das, made this appeal during a press briefing held at the EPFO special state office in 218 United colony, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur on April 11.
Highlighting the mission of the organization, Das emphasized that the EPFO is committed to providing comprehensive social security coverage through its three major schemes, the provident fund, pension, and the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI). He urged employers from all sectors private schools, colleges, universities, hospitals, NGOs, retail stores, construction firms, and even media establishments to take responsibility for registering their employees, including part-time, daily wage, and contractual workers.
He said that every employed person, regardless of the nature of their employment, is entitled to social security under the EPFO including media workers and staff working on temporary or daily wage basis are eligible.
Das clarified that the registration process for employers is completely digital, cost-free, and streamlined via the EPFO portal www.epfindia.gov.in under the online registration of establishments section where employees only need a trade license, Aadhaar, PAN, bank account, and a digital signature certificate (DSC) to register.
Once registered, they will receive a Universal Account Number (UAN) a lifelong, portable number that remains valid across different employers and states. He explained that an employee can move from one job to another anywhere in India without losing their EPFO membership. The UAN ensures seamless continuation of benefits,” Das explained.
Das stated that under the EPFO framework, there are three core schemes:
- Provident Fund Scheme: Employees contribute 12% of their salary, while employers contribute 13%. The amount is held in trust and earns compounded interest, currently at a competitive rate of 8.25%.
- Pension Scheme: Provides monthly pension upon retirement and includes benefits for surviving family members, such as spouse pension, orphan pension, and dependent parent pension.
- Insurance Scheme (EDLI): Offers up to ₹7 lakh as insurance coverage to the nominee or family in case of an employee’s death during service.
He also said that beyond retirement benefits, EPFO members can also avail non-refundable advances from their PF accounts for marriage (self, siblings, or children), housing (construction, purchase, or repair), education (post-matriculation of children), and medical emergencies as per the provision.
While mandatory provident fund registration applies to establishments with 20 or more employees, Das urged smaller employers to come forward voluntarily.
“Social security is a right for all working individuals, not a privilege. If you care for your workers and want to build a loyal workforce, enrolling in EPFO is the way forward,” he added.
It may be mentioned that the EPFO office in Dimapur was set up in April 2017 as a facilitation center. Since then, it has undergone significant upgrades, first becoming a special state office and then attaining full-fledged regional office status in 2022. The office now serves as a key hub for administering employee benefits in the state, offering technical assistance and guidance for all EPF-related matters.
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The office is also undergoing infrastructural upgrades, including the implementation of an e-office system and high-speed internet to support digital operations which will allow employees across Nagaland to access services, submit claims, and raise inquiries online eliminating the need for travel to Dimapur from remote areas.
The office is staffed with multilingual support personnel fluent in english, nagamese, and assamese, ensuring inclusive assistance and actively participating in awareness programs, including an upcoming event with the Legal Services Authority at NBCC, Kohima. Awareness materials and support lines have also been made available to aid both employers and employees.
“Let’s not look at the past. Let’s start now,” Das concluded. “EPFO Nagaland is here to provide support, guidance, and lasting social security to every working person in the state.”
For further information or assistance, Das encouraged employers and employees to contact the EPFO special state office in Dimapur.
Contact Information:
Address: EPFO Special State Office, 218 United Colony, Half Nagarjan, Dimapur – 797112
Phone: 03862-23484
Mobile: 6909318701
Email: sso.dimapur@epfindia.gov.in
Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
