EPFO NER Highlights Employment Linked Incentive Scheme to Boost Job Creation in Northeast

Guwahati: The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), Northeast Regional (NER) Zonal Office, Ministry of Labour and Employment launched Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, an initiative aimed at hastening job creation and expanding social security coverage across sectors.

Addressing the media, Shri Shishir Kant Jha, Additional Central Provident Fund Commissioner, NER Zonal Office, EPFO, said the ELI Scheme carries a total outlay of Rs.99,446 crore and is projected to generate over 3.5 crore jobs nationwide over the next two years. Of these, 1.92 crore jobs are expected to be created for first-time entrants into the workforce. 

The scheme will cover employment generated from 1 August 2025 to 31 July 2027.

Outlining the scheme’s features, Jha stated that new employees earning up to Rs.1 lakh per month and registered with EPFO will be eligible for an EPF wage incentive of up to Rs.15,000, provided in two instalments. 

The first installment will be disbursed after six months of continuous employment, while the second will follow after twelve months—subject to completion of a mandatory financial literacy programme. A portion of the incentive will be deposited into a fixed account to encourage long-term savings.

Vineet Nahata, Member of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT), EPFO, emphasized the government’s commitment to driving employment growth, especially in the manufacturing sector, and ensuring greater inclusion of youth in the national social security framework.

ALSO READ: Woolah Tea  Patents Bagless Dip Innovation; global rise after Shark Tank fame

 He fortified all eligible employers to enrol under the scheme and make full use of the incentives provided.

The ELI Scheme was recently approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and announced as part of the Union Budget 2024–25.

 It establishes a key component of a Rs.2 lakh crore package surrounding five flagship initiatives aimed at promoting employment, skill development, and economic opportunities for over 4.1 crore youth across the country.