Mangaluru: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) Regional Office in Mangaluru has set an ambitious target to enrol 25,000 new members under the Employment-Linked Incentive (ELI) scheme, which rolls out from August 1, 2025.

Announced in the Union Budget 2024–25, the ELI scheme aims to boost formal employment by providing financial incentives to both employers and first-time employees.

Key Features of the ELI Scheme:

  • Employees earning up to ₹1 lakh/month are eligible.

  • First-time employees will receive a wage incentive of up to ₹15,000, split across two instalments — after 6 and 12 months of continuous service.

  • Employers can earn ₹3,000/month per new employee for two years, and for four years in the manufacturing sector.

  • Firms with fewer than 50 employees must hire at least two new workers, while larger firms must add a minimum of five to qualify.

  • These jobs must be retained for at least six months to claim benefits.

    • To promote the initiative, EPFO Mangaluru will reach out to 2,500 firms and establishments across Dakshina Kannada, with awareness drives, direct outreach, and employer engagement.

    Officials say the ELI scheme could significantly benefit manufacturing, service, and small-scale industries, while also encouraging first-time employment and formal workforce growth.