Blog PMVBRY Obj & Eligibility

PMVBRY – Objectives and Eligibility

Introduction

The “Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rosgar Yogana” is the Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme announced by the Government of India in the Union Budget 2024-25, to achieve the grand vision of “Viksit Bharat@2047”. The country is facing serious unemployment and underemployment challenges and this scheme hopes to address these challenges and ease the mismatch between the skills and industry demand. Furthermore, the scheme will complement the National Manufacturing Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 by providing a boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The mission aims to increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to India’s GDP from 16% to 25% by 2025.

The main objective of the ELI scheme is to stimulate the private sector to participate in job creation and workforce development. The scheme seeks to incentivize and motivate employers to hire more young people, especially recent graduates, while encouraging skill development and enhancing job retention.

The Scheme

The ELI Scheme is a package of 2 parts, namely Part A and Part B that envisages providing employment, skilling and other opportunities to a large number of youth over a period of 4 years by providing incentives to both the first time employees and the employers, with special focus on the manufacturing sector.

Part A – First-time Employees

The First time employees will gain greatly from this scheme as Part A is designed wholly for youth that are entering the formal workforce for the very first time.  All newly joined employees will be provided one-time incentive of up to ₹ 15,000/- to assist first-timers in navigating their learning curve before they become fully productive.

Part B – Incentivises Employers for Job Creation with focus on the Manufacturing Sector.

This is an employer-focused part that supports the creation of sustained additional employment in all sectors.  The scheme provides incentives to employers for a period of 2 years for encouraging additional employment.  However, for those establishments engaged in the manufacturing sector, the incentives will be provided for 4 years.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rozgar Yogana (PMVBRY) has been designed to stimulate employment in the formal sector by providing incentives to employees and employers. Promoting the generation of sustained employment, increasing the formalization of workforce and enhancing employability is the core objective of the scheme.

Part A of the scheme supports the first time employees in their learning curve by offsetting the costs of up skilling.  This will lead to increased productivity and employability.  By emphasizing on Financial Literacy for first time employees, the scheme hopes to equip first-timers with the essential skills to manage their future.

Part B of the scheme incentivizes employers and will give impetus to employment generation in all sectors with additional focus on the manufacturing sector. These comprehensive measures strive to foster a more dynamic, formal and inclusive labour market, particularly for the youth of India.

Terminologies and Timelines

The scheme uses a few common terminologies and the same is explained along with the timelines.

  •  Aadhaar:  This is the Number as defined under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.
  •  Baseline:  Baseline is the base requirement of the number of employees to be registered during a particular period for the establishment to receive incentives.  For existing establishments registered with EPFO for more than 12 months prior to 01-08-2025, the Baseline is the average number of employees registered during the previous 12 months. For establishments registered with EPFO for less than 12 months prior to 02-08-2025, the Baseline will be the average number of employees for the months till 31-07-2025. For New establishment, the baseline will be 20, and the establishment will start getting the incentives for registrations over and above this baseline once the threshold criterion is fulfilled.
  •  Completed Wage Month:  This refers to a full calendar month for which the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) has been duly filed with the EPFO.  If the employee’s Date of Joining is on or before the 5th of a given calendar month, then that month shall be considered as the first Completed Wage Month, whereas, for the employee who joins after 5th of the month, the subsequent calendar month will be treated as first Completed Month. This definition of Completed Wage Month will equally apply for calculating Incentives for both Employees and Employers under Part A and Part B of the Scheme.
  •  Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR): This is the monthly return submitted along with the prescribed amount of contributions under the EPF ACT, 1952. Where the contributions of members are not received, they will not be considered for ascertaining the benefits under Part A and Part B of the Scheme.  However, such members shall be counted towards ascertaining the Baseline.  Only the employees whose contributions have been received along with the ECR will be taken into account to provide the incentives.
  •  Employee:

     Any person joining an establishment covered under the EPF & MP Act, 1952, and in respect of whom the establishment pays contributions to EPFO through ECR or remits EPF contributions in the Trust of an exempted establishment is an “Employee”.

5.1 A New Employee is one who has joined the establishment during the scheme registration period from 01-08-2025 to 31-07-2027.

5.2  First timers:  Any employee who was not a contributing member of EPFO or Exempted Trust prior to the commencement of the scheme and the date of joining in the establishment is during the scheme registration period, and the contribution is received in EPF or Exempted Trust for the first time, will be termed as the First Timer.  Incentives to the first-timers under Part A will be considered only if this is authenticated by Face Authentication Technology on the UMANG App.

5.3 Re-Joinee:  An employee with previous contributing membership of EPF with EPFO or Exempted Trust during the scheme registration period is considered as a Re-Joinee.  A Re-Joinee with Aadhaar authenticated UAN using biometric or face authentication technology will only be admissible for the employer to receive the incentives.

5.4 Eligibility of the Employee:  To be considered for Incentives to establishments under Part B of the Scheme, a New Employee should draw a gross salary less than ₹1,00,000/- per month and whose contribution has to be received in EPFO or Exempted Trust for at least 6 months for both the employee and employer.

5.5  Old Employee:  Any employee who has joined the establishment before 01-08-2025 and has not exited is considered to be an Old Employee.  The incentives under the scheme in respect of these employees cannot be availed by the employer as he is not eligible to receive the same.

5.6  EPF Wages:  This refers to the wages on which contributions are made as per Section 6 of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.   Where the EPF contribution is 12% then the EPF wage will be total Contribution x 100/24, where the divisor 24 is 12% + 12% being the contribution percentage from the employee and employer. Similarly, where the EPF contribution is 10%, then the EPF Wage will be total Contribution x 100/20, where the divisor 20  is 10% + 10% being the contribution percentage from the employee and employer.

5.7  Establishment:  An entity duly registered under Section 1(3) or 2A of the EPF & MP Act, 1952, having an EPF Code number along with a unique PAN number,  is an “Establishment”.  “Existing Establishments” are the establishments registered with EPFO  before 01-08-2025, whereas   “New Establishments” are those establishments registered with EPFO on or after 01-08-2025.

5.8  Exempted Establishment:  Exempted Establishment is an Establishment which has been notified as “exempted” under Section 17 of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.  These establishments maintain their own Trust for providing fund benefits provided under the Act.  These benefits are in no way less favourable than similar benefits provided under the Act.

5.9  Financial Literacy Course:  EPFO’s Employee Portal/Website provides a Financial Literacy Course that is mandatory for all employees.  The course provides information on personal finance, savings & investment, and financial planning.

5.10  Registration Period:  The effective date of the scheme is 01-08-2025, and the registration period of the scheme will be from 01-08-2025 to 31-07-2027.  All employees joining an establishment during this period will be considered for arriving at the baseline,   threshold criteria, additional joining, and calculation of incentives.

 5.11  Universal Account Number (UAN):  Every member is allotted the Aadhaar authenticated unique account number by EPFO.   The Facial Authentication Technology (FAT) facility as provided on UMANG Mobile App has to be utilised for the generation of UAN from the effective date of 01-08-2025.

Applicability of the Scheme:

All establishments, whether New Establishments or Exempted Establishments, covered under the EPF & MP Act, 1952, are eligible under the scheme, subject to the condition that they file the ECRs and the contributions regularly.

The Effective date of the Scheme is 01-08-2025 and the End Date is 31-07-2027.  During this period, registration for Part A & Part B can be made.  With effect from 01-08-2025, all existing establishments which are registered with EPFO and having the Unique Employer’s Code would be deemed to be registered under the scheme.  However, these establishments should provide details of PAN, GSTIN, and PAN linked Bank Account number of the employer.

How to determine the Baseline?

  • Baseline for Existing establishments: For existing establishments registered with EPFO prior to 31-07-2024, the Baseline will be the average number of employees as per the ECRs filed for the 12-month period from 01-08-2024 to 31-07-2025.  Only establishments that regularly file ECRs along with contributions are eligible for the scheme,. For establishments registered with EPFO between 01-08-2024 to 31-07-2025, the Baseline will be the average number of employees as per the ECRs for all the months up to 31-07-2025. Establishments that have submitted ECRs along with contributions for all months from August 2024 or from the date of registration in EPFO, whichever is later, are eligible to avail the benefits of the scheme up to the wage month of July 2025.  The last date for filing ECRs along with the contributions is 31st January 2026.

  • Baseline for New Establishments:   The Baseline for new establishments which are registered with EPFO between 01-08-2025 and 31-07-2027 will be 20. However, incentives will be provided only to the additional jobs created over and above the baseline of 20.

Conclusion

The “Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rosgar Yogana” is the Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme announced by the Government of India in the Union Budget 2024-25.  This is a strategic approach by the Central Government to address the unemployment and underemployment challenges in the country and to drive economic growth. The incentives target both the employers and employees, and are deeply focussed on creating a more inclusive and dynamic job market. The PMVBRY scheme will not only support workforce expansion and formalization, but will also significantly enhance the financial relief to employers, especially SMEs, thus providing the right impetus for them to grow and hire.

Getify, is a vastly experienced outsourcer of Payroll processing and HR Management, based out of Coimbatore.  We assure all stakeholders of our continued support in fully utilising these initiatives to foster growth and job creation, and to ensure a thriving and sustainable business in the long term.  All stakeholders can take pride in the fact that their efforts will complement the National Manufacturing Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 by giving a boost to the Make in India initiative.

PMVBRY

PMVBRY – Guidelines for calculating incentives under the Scheme.

Introduction

The grand vision of “Viksit Bharat @ 2047” is hoped to be achieved by the Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme under the name.  The “Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rosgar Yogana” announced by the Government of India in the Union Budget 2024-25. As you are aware, this scheme will complement the National Manufacturing Mission announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 by providing a boost to the ‘Make in India’ initiative.  The main objective of this scheme is to increase the contribution of the manufacturing sector to India’s GDP from 16% to 25% by 2025.

In this article we will dwell on the eligibility, benefits and the guidelines for calculating the incentives under the scheme.

 1.  Part A of the Scheme  – Eligibility of Employee under Part A:

All First timers are eligible to receive the benefits under the scheme subject to the establishment being covered under the EPF & MP Act, 1952. All First timers drawing gross wages up to ₹ 1,00,000/- at the time of joining the establishment registered with the EPFO will be eligible to receive the incentives under Part A of the scheme, subject to filing of ECRs with contribution for 6 continuous months.

First Timers employed in establishments which are part of the seasonal industry as defined under the EPF & MP Act, 1952 can be considered as eligible if the ECRs are filed over 6 months during a period of 12 months irrespective of continuity, and if the First timer is employed in the same establishment for the entire period.

Exempted establishments should provide details of all employees, including the First timers for whom the contributions are being deposited in their PF Trust, along with the filing of ECRs without contributions to EPFO.

The First timer in an Establishment is eligible to receive the 2nd instalment of the incentive under Part A of the scheme when all the 12-month ECRs have been filed within a period of 18 months from date of joining the establishment.

2. Calculation of Incentives:

Under Part A, the First timer can receive an incentive that is equivalent to one completed month EPF wage, subject to a maximum of ₹ 15,000/-.

The incentives will be paid in two instalments.  The first instalment will be half of the average EPF wage for 6 continuous months subject to a maximum of ₹ 7,500/-.  This instalment will be paid after filing of six completed months’ ECR’s along with the contributions.  The second instalment will be invested in an appropriate saving instrument/deposit account for a period to be specified by M/o L & E in due course.   The First timer will be eligible to receive this part of the incentive only after completion of the Financial Literacy program and filing of 12 completed months’ ECR’s along with contribution by the establishment.

Part B of the Scheme:

The benefits under Part B will be paid to the employers in respect of the First timers and Re-joinees subject to fulfilling the threshold criterion.

Incentive Amount and Periodicity

The incentives to employers under Part B will be paid for 4 years for manufacturing industry and 2 years for others at the following rates in respect of employment generated over and above the baseline fulfilling the threshold level. Where the baseline is less than 50, at least 2 additional employments are required for eligibility, and where the baseline is 50 & above, at least 5 additional employments are required for eligibility.

The incentives to employers will be as under:
EPF Wage slabs of Additional employees Benefit to the Employers in ₹.  (Per additional employment per month as per prescribed criteria)
<= ₹ 10,000* Up to ₹ 1,000
₹20, 000 to ₹ 1,00,000** ₹3,000
  • * Where the employees get EPF wages less than ₹ 10,000, the incentive at the rate of 10% of EPF wage will be provided.
  • *Incentives will be paid to new employees with EPF wages up to ₹ 1,00,000/- at the time of joining the establishment.

These incentives will be paid to all eligible establishments in lump-sum payments every six months, after filing for six completed months ‘ECR’s based on eligibility of the employer and employees.  Further, these benefits will be provided in respect of those first-timers and Re-joinees who complete 6 months of employment with the same employer.

In case the employer is not eligible as per the threshold criteria, the benefits will not be provided, and there will not be any extension to the incentive period.

Eligibility of Establishment under Part B

The eligibility of the establishment will be determined based on the threshold criteria as detailed below:

During the first 6 months of joining the scheme, the average number of employees in the establishment as per the ECRs filed for that period should be more than or equal to the Baseline plus the threshold limit.

Between the 7th and 12th month, the average number of employees in the establishment as per the ECRs filed from the 1st month up to the last month should be more than or equal to the Baseline plus the threshold limit.

From the 13th month onwards the average number of employees in the establishment should be more than or equal to the Baseline plus the threshold limit as per the ECRs filed from 1st month up to that month.

If any establishment registered with the EPF & MP Act, 1952 has pending inquiries under Section 7A/7B/7C of the Act and Para 26-B of EPF scheme; the incentives under Part B will be with held.  Also establishments against whom a FIR has been filed by EPFO for fraudulent practices or where inquiries relating to irregularities under the ABRY Scheme or any other scheme are pending or has been decided against the establishment, then the incentive will be with held.

Discontinuation of the Incentives

The Payment of Incentives under the scheme will be discontinued under certain conditions:

  1.  In case the First timer leaves the employment on his own volition or otherwise.
  2.  In case of any eventuality, like death, etc, of the beneficiary.
  3.  If the establishment winds up.
  4.  In the event of any misrepresentation or fraud.
Mode of Payment

  1.  The incentives will be disbursed within 45 days, once the ECRs are filed and contributions paid as per the periodicity as defined under the respective Part of the scheme.

  2. The incentives to the establishments shall be disbursed as Direct Benefit Transfer to the PAN-linked Bank Accounts of the Establishment.  In case a group of establishment under the same PAN are eligible for the incentives, then payment will be made to a single PAN-linked Bank account nominated by the group.

  3. The incentives to the employees shall be paid through (Aadhaar Bridge Payment System) Direct Benefit Transfer to their Aadhaar-seeded Bank accounts.

In case the employees’ bank account is pending for Aadhaar seeding, then the payment shall remain suspended. However, the incentive would continue to accrue during this period and, once the bank account is Aadhaar-seeded, the payment, including arrears, would be released as per the scheme guidelines.

Other features of the Scheme

  1.  Rounding Off:  All calculation to arrive at the Baseline, threshold, and average strength of employment may be rounded off to the nearest integer.

  2.  Penalty for fraudulent activities:  Legal action may be initiated against establishments found indulging in fraudulent activities or availing incentives based on fictitious data or documents or otherwise.  The Ministry of Labour and Employment will issue a comprehensive Penalty clause to this effect.

  3.  Communication strategy & Advocacy: A nation-wide multimedia outreach strategy using social media, traditional media, webinars, workshops etc., will be adopted to give wide coverage to the scheme.  For better advocacy of the scheme, the outreach will be done in multiple languages.
Monitoring and Evaluation
Monitoring

For purpose of monitoring the scheme, an inter-ministerial Steering Committee will be constituted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.  The Steering Committee would provide recommendation on wide ranging functions of the scheme.  The Steering committee is scheduled to meet at least once every quarter or as decided by the Chairperson.

An Executive Committee under the Chairpersonship of CPFC will also be constituted by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.  To ensure proper implementation of the scheme, the Executive Committee will meet every month.

Evaluation

Based on the recommendations of the Steering Committee, a third party mid-term evaluation of the Scheme shall be undertaken for necessary course correction after one year of the start of the scheme.

A third-party end-term evaluation of the scheme shall be conducted three months prior to the closure of the scheme to assess the outcome of the Scheme.  The incidental costs of this evaluation will be met from the Administrative charges allocated for the Scheme.

 Administration and Grievance Redressal of the Scheme

The scheme shall be administered by the EPFO under the overall supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.  EPFO shall provide an online facility to stakeholders to lodge grievances related to the scheme.  A Call Centre for PMVBRY will also be set up to assist stakeholders.

Financial Outlay of the Scheme

The Government has earmarked ₹ 99,446 Crores for the scheme, and this includes Administrative charges of ₹ 248 crores. EPFO aims to create 3.5 crore jobs during a 2 year period through this scheme.

Taxation

The incentives received under the scheme are taxed as they are subject to the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

Audit

The CAG will conduct a statutory audit of the Scheme, whereas, the Internal Audit Wing (IAW), M/o. L & E will conduct a non-statutory Audit.  Concurrently, an internal Audit will be conducted by EPFO.

Conclusion

The “Pradhan Mantri Viksit Bharat Rosgar Yogana” is the Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme announced by the Government of India in the Union Budget 2024-25.  The PMVBRY scheme not only incentivises both the employers and employees, but is a measure that focuses on creating a more inclusive and dynamic job market. The scheme hopes to significantly enhance the financial relief to employers especially SMEs, thus providing the right impetus for them to grow and hire, and will also support workforce expansion and formalization.

Getify, is fully equipped to provide all stakeholders of our continued support in fully utilising these initiatives to foster growth and job creation, and to ensure a thriving and sustainable business in the long term.  As one of the leading Payroll processing and HR management companies in the region we can assure all our clients of our professional support in benefitting from this scheme.

 

Salary Hike

How to Calculate Salary Hike Percentage Accurately? Formula and Example

An employee is a vital cog in the wheel of business, and their commitment and dedication is crucial for the success of the venture. Employee retention is, therefore, crucial, and to this end, the employer has to pay their employees fairly to gain their loyalty and commitment. One important activity that keeps the employees satisfied and committed is regular salary hikes announced by the company.

What is a Salary Hike?

A salary hike is an upward adjustment of the employee’s salary package and this is usually given by the employer based on factors like employee performance, experience, inflation, or fluctuation in the job market. For an employee, a salary hike is an important achievement in his or her career and recognition of the contribution to the company’s growth.

A pay hike provides them with the opportunity for professional growth and increased financial stability. The cost of living increases consistently every year due to inflation and a salary hike is one way of ensuring that employees can maintain their purchasing power and way of life through rising prices.

How to calculate Salary Hike Percentage?

The Salary Hike Percentage Formula is a simple and straightforward arithmetic calculation to arrive at the Salary Hike percentage. The following simple steps will guide you through this process.

Step 1 Determine the salary you are currently offering.

The current salary is the salary that you pay before the hike.

Step 2 Note down the new salary after the hike.

This is the salary that you will pay after the announced salary hike.

Step 3 The Current Salary has to be subtracted from the New Salary

When you subtract the Old Salary from the New salary you get the increase in Salary amount after the hike.

Step 4 Calculate the Salary hike percentage

Divide the figure obtained in Step 3 by the current salary and then multiply the result by 100 to get the hike percentage.

The salary hike formula is relatively simple and follows basic arithmetic operations. The formula is:

Salary Hike Percentage = New Salary – Current Salary/Current Salary x 100

The New Salary is the amount that the employee receives after the hike.

The Current Salary is the amount that the employee is currently receiving.

This Annual salary hike formula enables employers to quantify the percentage increase in salary and gain insight into the impact of the hike on the overall compensation. This will help them to evaluate job offers, negotiate salary adjustments or assess the effectiveness of performance reviews.

Example of Salary Hike Percentage Calculation

Let’s now look at an example:

Suppose the employee’s current salary is Rs:65,000, and is offered a New salary of Rs:71,500 after a performance review.

The formula is:

Salary Hike Percentage = Announced New Salary amount– Current Salary/Current Salary x 100

= 71500 – 65000/65000 x 100

= 6500/65000 x 100 = 10

The Salary Hike is 10 %

Let us now calculate Salary Hike Percentage from the CTC (Cost to Company).

CTC include heads like Basic Salary, DA, benefits, bonuses, and other perks. If the employer hikes the salary based on CTC, the same formula can be used to arrive at a hike percentage.

Example : Old CTC = 7,80,000

New CTC = 8,58,000

Hike amount = New CTC – Old CTC = 8,58,000 – 7,80,000 = 78,000

As per Formula: 78000/780000 x 100 = 10 %

How to calculate Salary Hike on Hourly Wages?

If the employees are being paid on an hourly basis, you can calculate the percentage of wage hikes using the same formula.

Old hourly wage = Rs: 200

New hourly wage = Rs:230

Wage Hike Percentage = New hourly wage – Old hourly wage/Old hourly wage x 100

230 – 200/200 x 100 = 15%

However, this will be useful for organizations that employ freelancers, contract workers, and other employees with hourly wages.

You can also calculate salary increments and their percentages using a salary hike calculator that comes bundled with certain payroll packages.

Why do employers hike salaries?
  1. To motivate

A salary hike helps to foster a positive workplace culture and ensures job satisfaction. It motivates employees to continue to work and contribute positively to company growth. These increments are one of the ways of informing the employees that the company appreciates their contribution to the company. Companies that offer reasonable salary hikes and other financial incentives have lower attrition rates and can retain their employees for a longer period.

  1. To recognize and reward the performers

Consistent performers are recognized and rewarded for their contribution to company growth. A salary hike is one form of this reward that acknowledges their hard work, dedication, and valuable contribution, and encourages them to maintain high level of performance.

  1. Supports the rising cost of living due to inflation

Inflation pushes up the cost of living periodically. To offset this, companies offer salary hikes to employees to enable them to maintain their purchasing power and enhance their way of life.

  1. Encourages career growth

A salary hike indicates that the employee is moving up the career ladder and is performing better. This, therefore, encourages career growth.

  1. Assists in Financial Planning

With a higher salary, it becomes easier for the employee to plan for the future and save money. This will encourage him to be more loyal to the organization.

What factors help employers to decide on a salary hike?

This is a question that is on the minds of employers or HRs all across the industry.  The decisions that the employers or HRs take is vital to how they interact with the employees and get their work done.  The following factors are taken into consideration to decide on salary hikes:

  1. Budget of the Company

The budget of the company plays a major role in deciding on salary hikes. If the company has a funds crunch, it can opt to pay increments to a limited number of employees. This means only those who have performed well will receive a salary hike.

  1. The Experience Level of the Employees

Experience is a vital factor in deciding on paying a salary hike. The priority of most employers is to give raise to experienced employees, especially those who take effort to guide their colleagues or help recruits with training.

  1. Qualification and Expertise

The qualification and expertise of an employee plays a crucial role in receiving a salary hike. An employee with the required qualifications and expertise for the job is the ideal choice for a salary hike.

  1. Maintaining Average Pay Standards

Employers may research the average salary standard in similar roles in the industry to consider given yearly salary hikes. Most companies try to match current trends by paying their employees well.

  1. Employee Performance

This is one of the most important criteria for salary increments. Most organizations value their high performers and recognize their efforts through rewards in the form of salary hikes or incentives. Performance tracking solutions are used to track employee performance throughout the employment career.

Conclusion

Salary hikes are not just a numerical increase in the take-home salary of an employee; they symbolize an organization’s acknowledgment of an employee’s contribution and are, therefore, a strategic tool for boosting morale and productivity. While the decision-making process is influenced by various factors, performance remains a vital factor in any salary hike.

Employees can greatly appreciate the salary hikes by understanding the factors that have influenced the employer in giving such hikes. This will help them to plan their future course of action accordingly. A pay hike is just a stepping stone towards career growth and financial stability. Employees should balance immediate gratification with long-term career goals.

GetifyHR, a tried and trusted Payroll Processing and HR Management service provider, can streamline your entire payroll process and empower your workforce. Where you require a more streamlined approach to managing your salary details, you can consider using GetifyHR’s comprehensive HRMS solutions.

Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme – Benefits, Eligibility & Impact

Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme – Benefits, Eligibility & Impact

Introduction:

The Employee Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme is a major initiative launched by the Union Government in the Union Budget 2024-25, to address the country’s growing unemployment challenges. India is currently facing high levels of unemployment among the youth, underemployment, and a mismatch between the skills and industry demand. The ELI scheme is proposed to stimulate the private sector to participate in job creation and workforce development. The scheme seeks to incentivize and motivate employers to hire more youth, especially freshers while encouraging skill development and enhancing job retention.

The ELI Scheme is a package of 5 schemes to create more job opportunities and improve the livelihood of people across the country. The scheme envisages providing employment, skilling, and other opportunities for 4.1 crore youth over five years with a total central outlay of ₹ 2 lakh crore. Out of this, 1.07 crore is allocated to implement Plan A, B, and C, ₹63,000 crore for Plan D to provide an Internship programme for skilling 1 crore youth in 5 years, and ₹30,000 crore for Plan E for upgrading of Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s) across the country.

The package highlights the government’s strong commitment to tackling unemployment and boosting economic recovery, especially after the challenges posed by COVID – 19 pandemic.

The Objectives:

The ELI Scheme hopes to address the country’s growing unemployment by incentivizing the private sector for job creation, skill development, and retention.

The main objectives are:

  1. Promote the employment of youth: The scheme primarily aims to reduce unemployment among the youth by encouraging organizations to recruit youngsters especially those joining the workforce for the first time.
  2. Encourage job retention: The ELI scheme has features to encourage job retention by offering incentives to employers who maintain higher workforce levels over a period of time, especially those who recruit beyond a specified threshold.
  3. Encourage Skill Development: Skilling has been the Government’s objective, and this initiative aligns with this aim. This is achieved by encouraging skill development among the youth, by motivating employers to invest in training and skill development of their workforce.
  4. Enhance Formal Employment: Historically, industries have depended on informal labour. This scheme aims to formalize employment by incentivizing employers who transition workers into the formal economy by providing social security such as Provident Fund (PF) coverage.
  5. Boost employment in the Manufacturing Sector: The Scheme has features that target the Manufacturing Industry to boost job opportunities by promoting the recruitment of first-time-employees.
  6. Reduce Economic Disparity: the Scheme aims at reducing economic disparity and improve social mobility by prioritizing on job creation and skill enhancement for youth especially those from the underprivileged backgrounds.
  7. Assist Employers in recruitment: The programme aims to lower the expenses of employers and motivate them to increase their employment levels by providing financial assistance such as reimbursing employers for their PF contributions towards new hires.
The Schemes

The Employment Linked Incentive Schemes encompass 5 programs aimed at employment generation, retention, workforce formalization, skill development, and enhancing full compliance with all statutory rules and regulations.

The total outlay for the entire scheme is ₹2 lakh crores for 5 years. Out of this, ₹1.07 lakh crore is allocated for Scheme A, B, and C to generate employment for 3.1 crore new employees, ₹ 63,000 crore is allocated for Internship Programme for skilling 1 crore youth in 5 years, and ₹30,000 crore for upgrading of Industrial Training Institutes (ITI’s)

Scheme A: First-time Employees Support Scheme

This scheme is designed for youth who are entering the formal workforce for the very first time. All newly joined employees in the formal sector will receive one month’s salary up to ₹15,000 to be disbursed through direct transfer in 3 installments. The first-time employment scheme is expected to benefit around 210 lakh youth over 2 years. The Central outlay for the scheme is ₹23,000 crores. Enrolment is open for 2 years and the expenditure coverage extends to 3 years. The subsidy paid under this scheme supports employees and boosts the hiring of first-time employees by employers.

The salient features of the scheme are briefed below:

  1. Applicable to all newly joined employees in the formal sector.
  2. Applicable to newly joined employees enrolled in EPFO and drawing a wage or salary of less than ₹ 1 lakh per month.
  3. Eligible employees will receive a subsidy of up to ₹ 15,000 directly in 3 installments.
  4. The eligible employee has to mandatorily undergo a financial literacy course to receive the second installment.
  5. The employer has to refund the subsidy to the employee if the employment ends within 12 months of recruitment.
  6. The scheme will be applicable for 2 years after enrolment with EPFO.
Scheme B: Incentives for Job creation in the Manufacturing Sector

This scheme is designed to enhance employment in the manufacturing sector. The scheme rewards both employers and first-time employees who contribute towards EPFO. The incentive will be paid at a specified scale to both the employee and employer directly based on the EPFO contributions made in the first 4 years of employment. The incentives will be paid partly to both the employees and employers for 4 years as detailed below:

Year Percentage
First year 24% shared equally between employee and employer
Second year 24% shared equally between employee and employer
Third year 16% shared equally between employee and employer
Fourth year 8% shared equally between employee and employer

This scheme is aimed at incentivizing employment in the manufacturing sector and is expected to benefit 30 lakh youth and their employers. ₹52,000 crore has been earmarked for this scheme. The program has a 2 year enrolment plan with the expenditure phase spanning 6 years. This will allow sustained support that will boost long term employment in the manufacturing sector.

The salient features of the scheme are briefed below:

  1. The scheme applies to first-time employees in the manufacturing sector.
  2. All corporate and non-corporate employers who have a 3-year track record with EPFO contributions will be eligible.
  3. Employees who contribute towards EPFO and who earn a wage or salary of up to ₹1 lakh per month will be eligible for this scheme.
  4. The employees must be directly employed by the organization that pays the salary.
  5. Where the salary of the employees exceeds ₹25,000 per month, the incentive will be calculated at the capped amount of ₹25,000 per month.
  6. If the employment ends within 12 months of recruitment, then the employer will refund the subsidy to the employee.
  7. The scheme requires the employer with a 3-year EPFO contribution to hire either 50 new employees or 25% of their workforce, whichever is lower to qualify for the incentive.
  8. Employers should maintain the enhanced level of employment throughout, failing which they will not receive the subsidy.
  9. The incentive will be paid over 4 years, shared equally between the employee and the employer as per the table given above.
  10. The scheme will apply to an employee for 2 years after enrolment with EPFO.
Scheme C: Support to Employers for EPFO contributions

The third scheme under the Employment Linked Incentive Scheme is to support employers who contribute towards EPFO. This is a fully employer focussed scheme that covers every additional employment within a salary of ₹1 lakh per month within all sectors.

The salient features of the scheme are briefed below:

  1. The scheme incentivizes employers who increase their workforce above the baseline (the previous year’s number of EPFO employees) by at least 2 employees for companies with less than 50 employees or 5 employees for companies with 50 or more employees and maintain this level.
  2. The scheme applies to employees earning up to ₹1 lakh per month.
  3. New employees need not be newly enrolled with EPFO.
  4. The EPFO will reimburse contributions paid by the applicable employer for the additional employees hired in the previous year up to ₹3,000 per month for 2 years.
  5. When the employer creates more than 1000 jobs, reimbursement will be done for every quarter.
  6. The subsidy will continue for the 3rd and 4th years on the same scale as employers benefit provided under job creation for manufacturing sector.
  7. The subsidy provided under this scheme is in addition to the subsidy provided under the first-time employment scheme.
  8. The scheme is applicable for 2 years after joining employment.

The Central outlay for this scheme is ₹32,000 crores and is expected to benefit 50 lakh youth. The program has 2 year enrolment duration and the expenditure duration is for 6 years.

Scheme D: Internship Scheme with Top Companies

The Internship Programme envisages skilling 1 crore youth aged between 21 to 24 years over 5 years in top 500 companies. The total outlay for the scheme is ₹63,000 crores.

The salient features of the scheme are briefed below:

  1. The duration of the Internship is 12 months with a monthly allowance of ₹5,000 and a one-time assistance of ₹6,000.
  2. Unemployed youth in the age group of 21-24 are eligible.
  3. The government will contribute significantly to the allowance costs, while the administrative and training expenses will be borne by the Company through CSR funding.
  4. Priority will be given to candidates with lower employability metrics.
  5. Actual skill training is mandatory with a focus on hands-on-work over classroom learning.
Scheme E: Skilling programme and upgradation of ITI’s

This is a scheme to skill youth with state and industry collaboration. This centrally sponsored scheme has a total outlay of ₹60,000 crores, where the Central Government spends ₹30,000 crores, the State Government spends ₹20,000 crores and the Industry ₹10,000 crores (this includes CSR funding).

The salient features of the scheme are briefed below:

  1. The objective is to skill 20 lakh youth so that industry standards can be met and employability enhanced.
  2. The programme envisages the upgradation and revamping of 1000 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs), in a “hub and spoke” model with 200 hubs and 800 spokes nationwide with the cooperation of the industry.
  3. A complete Re-design and review of existing courses.
  4. Introduction of New courses with 1 and 2 year courses offered in all the 1000 ITI’s
  5. Offering specialized short-term courses in Hub ITI’s.
Key Takeaways of the Employment Linked Incentive Schemes

The ELI Scheme offers several key benefits and they are:

  1. Promoting Job Creation: the ELI scheme acts as stimulus to companies to hire more employees by offering incentives tied to EPFO Contributions. This will stimulate industrial growth and promote employment in various sectors.
  2. Supports fresh graduates and new entrants: The first-timers scheme helps to integrate fresh graduates and new entrants into the formal workplace. This scheme reduces the financial strain and ensures a smooth entry into the job market by providing a stable income at the start of a career.
  3. Strengthens financial security for employees: By incentivizing formal employment through EPFO contributions, the scheme ensures access to retirement benefits thus enhancing the long-term financial security of employees.
  4. Encourages workforce expansion for employe₹ The job creation in the Manufacturing sector scheme encourages employers to expand their workforce by linking incentives to EPFO contributions. This reduces the financial barrier for employers to hire more workers, helping the companies to meet the increasing demand and grow in the process.
  5. Reduces the financial burden of the employe₹ The Support to Employers scheme reimburses a portion of the EPFO contributions for newly hired employees. This specifically helps Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to reduce the cost of hiring, making it more viable for SMEs to expand their workforce.
  6. Boosts Economic growth: By creating more job opportunities and incentivizing businesses to hire, the ELI scheme ensures that the growth driven by other manufacturing incentives such as the PLI scheme, translates into actual long-term employment gains.
  7. Encourages the formalization of the workforce: Incentivizing the formal sector employment, this helps to transition workers from the informal sector to the formal sector, providing greater stability and access to social security benefits.
Conclusion

The Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme is a strategic approach by the Central Government to address the unemployment problem in the country and to drive economic growth. The incentives targeted at both employers and employees aim to create a more inclusive and dynamic job market. The initiatives under the ELI scheme will not only support workforce expansion and formalization but will also significantly enhance the financial relief to employers, especially SMEs, thus making it easier for them to grow and hire.

GetifyHR, with its vast experience in Payroll processing and HR Management, assures all stakeholders of our continued support in helping them to make use of these schemes to foster growth and job creation, and to ensure a thriving and sustainable business in the long term.

EPFO’s new flexible savings scheme

EPFO set for a Major Upgrade: Flexible Savings and Instant PF withdrawals through ATMs

The Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) is poised to introduce ground-breaking upgrades through EPFO 3.0 slated for roll-out in June 2025. The upgrade will allow Provident Fund (PF) users to withdraw their savings using ATM cards thus bringing EPFO services closer to the banking experience. Other features include a revamped Mobile App, flexible pension options with enhanced digital security, faster claims, and better service. EPFO 3.0 represents a major leap that introduces a host of new features and reforms aimed at simplifying processes, reducing paperwork, and empowering employees to manage their PF accounts independently.

What is EPFO 3.0?

EPFO 3.0 is the upcoming phase of digital transformation introduced by the EPFO to make PF management more user-friendly, transparent, and efficient. Once these reforms are rolled out, employees can self-correct personal details such as name, date of birth, and marital status directly through the EPFO Portal. This will significantly reduce administrative time delays.

In addition to this, Provident Fund account transfers will no longer require verification by the employer due to the introduction of Aadhaar–based OTP authentication. Another rather interesting upgrade is the introduction of an EPFO ATM card that enables instant PF withdrawal through ATMs. The upcoming EPFO 3.0 Mobile app provides on-the-go account management, faster claim processing, and seamless access to retirement savings. Once rolled out, the system is expected to benefit millions of salaried employees who contribute to the EPF scheme.

Salient features of EPFO 3.0

EPFO 3.0 introduces a range of innovative features to streamline processes, enhance user convenience, and reduce administrative delays, thus empowering employees to manage their PF accounts.  This Employee Provident Fund Update is poised to change the way the funds are used and managed by the members.

  • User-Friendly Interface: The proposed revamp of the EPFO website will offer a robust, interactive, and user-friendly interface for seamless navigation and easier management of Accounts.

 

  • Self-correction of Personal Data: EPF members can now independently correct discrepancies or make changes in personal information like name, date of birth, gender, nationality, etc., directly through the EPFO Portal. This eliminates the need for employer approval or supporting documents in most cases.

 

  • ATM cards for instant EPF withdrawals: EPFO members will issue ATM Cards to members that function as debit cards. Members can directly withdraw their EPF savings from ATMs, offering Instant P.F withdrawal process in India, a first of its kind in the country. This will provide instant access to funds thus reducing the hassle of waiting for approval.

 

  • EPFO Mobile App: A new Mobile App is to be launched that will streamline the management of EPF Accounts. Through this Mobile App, members can check account balances, file claims, and access a wide variety of services. This is a one-stop solution for all EPFO-related tasks.

 

  • Reduction in PF Transfer time: Members can now file their PF transfer claims directly with EPFO using Aadhaar-based OTPs without employer intervention. This will significantly reduce the delays in transferring PF accounts when switching jobs.

 

  • Self Attestation features: EPFO proposes to introduce a self-attestation feature that will allow members to complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process without the approval of the employer.

 

  • More Efficient Pension System: Employees are allowed to choose higher voluntary contribution towards Pension. The system also proposes support to the pension system that will make it more efficient with focus on addressing the delays in issuing pension payment orders.

 

  • Seamless User Experience: EPFO 3.0 aims to make all the processes starting from Account Management to filing of claims and transferring funds, more efficient, user-friendly and faster.

 

How do the EPFO 3.0 ATM Cards work?

EPFO ATM card is a revolutionary update being introduced in EPFO 3.0 that enables withdrawals from EPF accounts. As of now, members have to wait anywhere between 7 to 10 days for withdrawals from the EPF account. The process required either online or offline requests and employee attestation.

With the new features, members can access their PF accounts directly from designated ATMs for instant access of their funds without waiting for approval from employers. EPFO ATM withdrawal thus eliminates lengthy waiting time, and offers the much-needed convenience and instant access to their savings.

The EPFO ATM card functions like a regular Bank ATM card and allows members to withdraw up to 50% of their total savings in the PF accounts without lengthy approval processes. Similar to Bank ATM transactions, EPFO ATM transactions will require authentication via OTP, PIN, or Biometric verification for added security.

EPFO Mobile App

The proposed launch of the EPFO Mobile App through EPFO 3.0 is set to be a game-changer. The EPFO Mobile App will make it easier to manage your EPF account. It will allow you to quickly check your account balance, track contributions, and file claims from the convenience of your living room or when on the move through your Smartphone. The user-friendly interface is designed to save both time and effort, making it easier to have full control of your retirement savings and manage your account on the go. Regardless of whether you are at home or on the move, everything you need will be at your fingertips.

Flexibility in Pension Contributions

EPFO 3.0 proposes changes in Pension contributions by making it more flexible. Currently, EPF contributions are fixed at 12% of the Basic salary plus Dearness Allowance, split equally between the employee and employer. One part of the contribution goes into the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS). Under EPFO 3.0 the following changes are proposed.

  1. Employees are allowed to choose higher voluntary contributions towards Pension.
  2. They are given the flexibility to opt for different pension schemes.
  3. Enhancing benefits under EPS based on contribution levels.

This is EPFO’s new flexible savings scheme that aims to enhance retirement savings and provide employees with greater financial control and independence.

Self-Correction of Member Personal Details:

Currently, members have to depend on employers to correct discrepancies in the personal information on the EPFO Portal, resulting in undue delays and added Administrative pressure. However, with the EPFO’s new features, members can access their personal details and correct discrepancies without the requirement of supporting documents. The high volume of grievances is primarily related to member profiles and Know Your Customer (KYC) issues. This is nearly 27% of total complaints. These proposed changes aim to drastically reduce these grievances. For example, errors in details like father’s name, spouse name, etc., or nationality that hitherto required online requests and supporting documents, can now be quickly and efficiently updated, thus streamlining the entire process.

Eliminating delays in PF Transfers

For long, there has been a demand to reduce the delays in transferring PF Accounts when members switch jobs. Currently, employer verification is a key step often resulting in significant delay. On an average, the employers took 12 to 13 days to submit transfer claims to the EPFO. As per records, over the past 9 months nearly 20 lakh claims were held up with employers for more than 15 days.

EPFO 3.0 allows employees with fully compliant e-KYC EPF accounts to file transfer claims directly with the EPFO using Aadhaar-based OTPs, without requiring employer intervention. The proposed change is expected to significantly reduce transfer claim processing time by doing away with the bottleneck of employer verification.

EPFO 3.0 – Launch Timeline

Initial announcements revealing formal details about EPFO 3.0 began circulating in early 2023 highlighting the process of digitization and self-service enhancements. As a pilot phase which is still ongoing, certain features like online PF transfer and partial self-correction are already available like under EPFO 2.0.

According to official timelines, EPFO 3.0 is scheduled to be fully operational by June 2025 and will culminate in the complete roll-out of the new infrastructure that includes the EPFO ATM Card system, a revamped Mobile App, and flexible pension contributions.

Conclusion

EPFO 3.0 symbolizes an important step towards modernizing India’s Provident Fund Infrastructure. The aim is to deliver a hassle-free experience that benefits employees across the country, and this is emphasized in user autonomy, instant access to funds, digital security, and streamlining the entire workflow. Even though a few challenges remain, especially in implementing robust security measures and ensuring widespread digital literacy, the long-term prospects suggest a more robust, transparent, and member-friendly system.

In simple terms, EPFO 3.0, the latest updates on EPFO Reforms, is a comprehensive digital overhaul of the EPFO platform, that is designed to provide members greater control over their accounts, introduces ATM-enabled withdrawals and streamlines PF transfer with reduced paperwork.

GetifyHR is a highly reputed Payroll and Statutory Compliance Service Provider with years of experience in handling matters relating to Payroll and Statutory Compliance that includes Employees Provident Fund.  We are fully geared to handle all the proposed changes and will be able to fully support all our valued clients and the employees once these changes are notified. We are there to lend a shoulder to all these changes and all forthcoming changes in all aspects of Payroll Processing, HR Management and Statutory Compliance requirements.

Payroll Processes are the most time consuming

Which Payroll Processes are the most time consuming and how to streamline them?

Payroll is the process by which the net pay of an employee and includes the benefits that you provide to each employee or group of employees and the deductions that must be made depending upon the salary.  This is a complex process that requires a high degree of accuracy to avoid problems that may affect the growth of the organization.

Streamlining this process and ensuring accurate and timely payment of salary is vital as any inaccuracies will negatively impact the morale of the employees and affect productivity. Adhering to the various laws and regulations such as labour laws, EPF and other statutory compliance requirements is critical.  Non-compliance with these rules and regulations can lead to serious legal issues that may lead to financial consequences.

The onus is on the management to see that the employees are happy and the company is fully compliant of all the statutory rules and regulations.  To achieve this you will need a perfectly working Payroll system that can generate accurate payslips and maintain all employee related records up-to-date and accurate.  In this article we delve into the most time consuming process in the Payroll and on how the entire process could be streamlined for ensuring smooth functioning.

  1. Steps to process Payroll
  2. Which Payroll Processes Are the Most Time-Consuming
  3. How to Streamline Them?
  4. How GetifyHR Helps You??
1.  Steps to process Payroll

The entire Payroll Process can be dived into 3 stages, namely, Pre-Payroll stage, Actual Payroll processing stage and Post-Payroll stage.

1.1  Stage I – Pre-Payroll stage
1.1.1   Choosing the right Payroll system

Choosing the right Payroll system is critical for the smooth working of the process.  Payroll process is a complex process that requires utmost care and effort to function smoothly.  There are three basic payroll systems that you can choose from and they are:

  • Manual Payroll
  • Payroll using in-house Software
  • Outsourcing Payroll

Manual Payroll:  Manual Payroll is processing the payroll manually either on paper or on a spreadsheet. This is a time consuming process and requires dedicated effort.  The possibility of manual errors is high.

Payroll Processing using specialized Software:  Fully customized Payroll Software are now available that offer everything from basic payroll operations to highly complex operations that include time tracking and even human resource services.

Outsourcing Payroll:  Here the entire payroll process is outsourced to an external agency that performs the entire operations with the use of high end technology.  The entire gamut of payroll processing right from inputting data to handling the rather complex statutory compliance requirement is handled by the outsourcer.

These three Payroll systems have their own pros and cons and a thorough study based on your requirement has to be undertaken before you make the choice.  Factors like the number of employees, work hours, employee benefits, and the complexity of the Statutory Compliance requirements for your state have to be fully studied before deciding on the type of system you prefer.

1.1.2  Create a Payroll Policy that suits your workplace.

Take time to review the existing labour laws, working hours and overtime laws, and other details pertaining to employment.  The payroll policy should also include the schedule for Pay dates, the mode of payment of salaries, the deduction & withholding and the benefits payable to the employees.  A comprehensive study of all aspects should be made before finalising the payroll policy.

1.1.3  Gather Employee information.

Ensure that all the details pertaining to each employee is collected.  Information regarding each employee’s personal details, social security details, tax filing records and details pertaining to employee health insurance, retirement savings etc have to be collated.  The disbursement of salary whether by cash, cheque or direct deposit have to be defined and accurately maintained.

1.1.4  Handling Employee Updates

All the changes that have taken place during the salary period have to be updated.  This would include the salary revisions, changes in deductions and tax structure and also include details of all new joining.

1.1.5  Input Validation

Once all the inputs have been received, you have to validate the data and ensure that no active employee is left out and conversely no inactive employee records are included for salary payment.

1.1.6  Tracking attendance work hours

If you are manually performing the payroll process, the paper time cards would be available and you have to add up hours, check for errors and update the data to your payroll records.  Those using a Payroll processor have to verify and approve the time sheets that are available and update the system.

1.1.7  Handling Employee Leave

For manual operations, the Leave details of all employees would be available on paper and these have to be updated.  For those using a Payroll software the details would be already existing in the system.

1.1.8  Processing  Employee Benefits

These have to be calculated manually and the data has to be updated before you start the actual payroll generation.  The employee benefit details will be available in the system for those using Payroll software.  These records have to be updated before running the actual Payroll process.

1.2  Stage II – The Actual Payroll Process

Once all the updates have been made and the data validated, then you can go ahead with the actual Payroll process.  On completion of the payroll process the Payslips are generated that gives the Net Pay after deduction of relevant taxes and other statutory deductions.  The Payslips can be distributed to the employees along with their salary dues in the method adopted by the company.

1.3  Stage III – Post-Payroll Process

The Post-Payroll process is the final stage in the Payroll process and has the following sub-stages:

1.3.1  Salary Disbursement or Payout

This stage involves the disbursement of salaries to t he employees either by cash, cheque or direct deposit as the case may be.  The company has to ensure that sufficient funds are available in the Bank Account to meet the payments.  The Bank has to be informed about the payment and a statement has to be issued providing details such as Employee ID, Bank A/c. No. and the amount of salary etc.  For those using a Payroll Software that has the Employees Self Service (ESS) module, the payslips can be published and the employee can login to their account and access the payslips.

1.3.2  Statutory Compliance

During this process all the statutory deductions like EPF, ESI, TDS, PT etc that have been deducted during the Payroll process are remitted to the respective government accounts.  Payment dues are made via challan and the frequency will be according to the type of dues.   Once these payments have been made the returns/reports are generated and filed with the authorities.

1.3.3  Accounting the Payroll

Salaries make up a significant part of the expenses incurred in a business.  These expenses have to be properly accounted for and reconciled so that the company maintains accurate and complete financial records and ensure full compliance with all statutory and tax regulations.  Keep track of all the expenses related to Payroll including salaries, overtime wages, bonuses and benefits.  This will enable the management to get an accurate overview of the total payroll cost and help with budgeting and financial planning.

2.  Which Payroll processes are the most time consuming?

The Payroll process in its entirety is a highly complex activity that has to be performed with great care and expertise.  All the activities involved in payroll are complex processes that only vary in the degree of complexity.  However, among these activities the most time consuming and complex processes are the following.

2.1  Tracking Attendance work hours

2.2  Payroll Adjustments

2.3  Processing Employee Benefits

2.4  Manual Payroll Calculations and Salary Revisions

2.5.  Tax Collections and Statutory Compliance

2.1  Tracking Attendance work hours

Tracking Attendance work hours is one of the most time consuming tasks in Payroll processing.  Calculating employee hours, overtime, deductions and taxes is a difficult task when handled manually.  Accurately tracking employee hours is a challenging task, more so for remote or part-time employees.  The process is not only tedious, but is also prone to errors.  This can lead to discrepancies in the pay slips that will result in employee dissatisfaction leading to disharmony in the workplace. Where the employee strength is very low, tracking work hours will be effective but when the workforce strength is high it is prone to errors.

2.2  Payroll adjustments

Payroll adjustments refer to any change in the employees’ regular pay.  The changes can be a temporary or permanent increase or decrease of an employee’s pay.  Either way, it is important to perform this process accurately for wages and hour compliance.  This is a complex process as any change in employment status, change in salary or wages, overtime wages, change in wage work hours and change in benefits and allowances will have its effect on the entire payroll process.  Any change would naturally reflect in the compliance requirements and therefore, it is vital that these are handled carefully to avoid non-compliance with the statutory requirements.

2.3  Processing Employee Benefits

The benefits to Employees include providing health insurance and other key benefits.  Normally the HR department is entrusted with the job of administering this process.    A typical employee benefit administrator is entrusted the task of developing a benefit program, coordinating with the benefit provider, facilitating the enrolment of employees into the program and assessing the eligibility of employees for the benefits.

The most common types of employees’ benefits include

  • Health Insurance Coverage
  • Retirement Plans – 401(K)
  • Disability Insurance
  • Paid time Off
  • Parental Leave
  • Wellness Programs

This is complex process that requires efficient handling through a dedicated team.

2.4  Manual Payroll Calculation and Salary Revision

Manual Payroll Calculations are based on the frequency of payment and their hourly wage.  In an employee is working your company for Rs:250/- per hour on a frequency of biweekly payment, then he will get 40 hours/week x 2 weeks  = 80 hours x 250 = 20,000/- as gross payment.  If the employee has worked overtime, it is paid at 1.5 times the workers regular pay rate.  Supposing he has worked for 10 hours overtime per week then the calculation would be 10 hours x 2 weeks = 20 hours x 375 = 7,500/- (gross overtime wage).

The Payroll calculation of a salaried employee is paid for each working period.  Since the salary is fixed it is easier to manually process the salary.  Salary revision is the process of reviewing and changing the compensation and benefits package of employees within the organization.  The process involves adjusting employees salaries based on various factors such as performance, market trend, cost of living and company budget.

These changes should be informed to the employees and the relevant changes must be made in the payroll calculations during the scheduled pay period.  The process has to be performed with utmost care and accuracy as any mistake would be reflected in the payslip generated.  Any mistake in the process would dampen the morale of the employees and pave the way for disharmony in the workplace.

2.5  Tax Calculation and Statutory Compliance

Tax calculations and Statutory Compliance are two vital factors that have to be carefully handled while processing the payroll.  The Tax and Compliance calculations include:

  • Income Tax – TDS
  • EPF and ESIC, LWF & Payment of Gratuity
  • Labour Laws
Income Tax – TDS

Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is one of the most important statutory regulations that every business has to adhere to.  The purpose of the regulation is to collect Tax from the source of an individual’s income and these include salaries, interest and commission.

Individual Assessees were given the option of following the Old Tax Regime or the New Tax regime (23-24).  However, in the budget announcements for the year 24-25, a New Tax Regime has been introduced that has made some changes from the earlier New Tax Regime 23-24.

The relevant Tax slabs for all the three tax regimes, Old Tax Regime, New Tax Regime 23-24 and New Tax Regime 24-25 (AY 25-26) are detailed below:

Old Tax Regime for Individuals
Taxable Income Incometax Rate
Upto ₹ 2,50,000 NIL
₹ 2,50,001 to ₹ 5,00,000 5% above ₹ 2,50,000
₹ 5,00,001 to ₹ 10,00,000 ₹ 12,500 + 20% above ₹ 5,00,000
Above ₹ 10,00,000 ₹ 1,12,500 +30% above ₹ 10,00,000

 

New Tax Regime FY 23-24
Taxable Income New Tax Slab Rate – FY 23-24 (AY 24-25)
Upto ₹ 3,00,000 NIL
₹ 3,00,001  to ₹ 6,00,000 5%  on income exceeding ₹ 3,00,000
₹ 6,00,001  to ₹ 7,00,000 ₹ 15,000 + 10% on income exceeding ₹ 6,00,000
₹ 7,00,001  to ₹ 9,00,000 ₹ 25,000 + 10% on income exceeding ₹ 7,00,000
₹ 9,00,001  to ₹ 10,00,000 ₹ 45,000 + 10% on income exceeding₹  9,00,000
₹ 10,00,001 to ₹ 12,00,000 ₹ 50,000 + 15% on income exceeding ₹ 10,00,000
₹ 12,00,001 to ₹ 15,00,000 ₹ 90,000 +  20% on income exceeding ₹ 12,00,000
Above₹  15,00,000 ₹ 1,50,000 + 30% on income exceeding ₹ 15,00,000

 

New Tax Regime FY 24-25 (AY 25-26)    
Taxable Income New Tax Slab Rate – FY 24-25 (AY 25-26)
Upto ₹ 3,00,000 NIL
₹ 3,00,001  to ₹ 6,00,000 5%  on income exceeding ₹ 3,00,000
₹ 6,00,001  to ₹ 7,00,000 ₹ 15,000 + 10% on income exceeding ₹ 6,00,000
₹ 7,00,001  to ₹ 9,00,000 ₹ 20,000 + 10% on income exceeding ₹ 7,00,000
₹ 9,00,001  to ₹ 10,00,000 ₹ 20,000 + 10% on income exceeding ₹ 9,00,000
₹ 10,00,001 to ₹ 12,00,000 ₹ 50,000 + 15% on income exceeding ₹ 10,00,000
₹ 12,00,001 to ₹ 15,00,000 ₹ 80,000 +  20% on income exceeding ₹ 12,00,000
Above₹  15,00,000 ₹ 1,40,000 + 30% on income exceeding ₹ 15,00,000
EPF and ESIC

The Employee Provident Fund is a social security scheme administered by the Employees Provident Fund Organization.  EPF is a contribution towards the welfare of the employee and requires both the employer and employee to contribute a certain percentage of the Basic pay + DA.  As per the Act, both the employer and employee have to contribute 12% of Basic Pay + DA towards EPF.  Every organization that 20 or more employee has to comply with the EPF regulation.

Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) is a social security measure administered by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).  ESI helps employees to overcome unforeseen circumstances including medical expenses, maternity leave or disability due to mishaps at the workplace.  ESI is mandatory for establishments employing 10 or more employees and for employees whose earning is less than ₹ 21,000 per month.

Every eligible establishment has to remit the contributions towards EPF and ESI to the concerned department along with the required returns within the stipulated time frame.

Labour Welfare Fund

Labour Welfare Fund was enforced to provide the employees a means to improve their working conditions, for social security and to raise their standard of living.  The Labour Welfare Board of each state determines the amount and frequency of contribution and these differ from state to state.

Payment of Gratuity Act

The Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972 stipulated that the employer has to pay Gratuity to their employees for the services rendered by him during the period of employment.  Any employee who has completed a minimum of 5 years of service in an organization is eligible to receive Gratuity.

Labour Laws

An array of Labour Laws have to be adhered to by all companies and these include The Payment of Wages Act, 1936, The Minimum Wages Act, 1948, The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and The Maternity Act, 1961.

The Payment of Wages Act, 1936

The Payment of Wages Act ensures prompt payment of wages with the accepted time frame.  The preferred payment mode is by cash or cheque.  Bank transfers can be made only after consent from the employee.  These rules may vary from state to state.

The Minimum Wages Act, 1948

The Minimum Wages Act was enacted to prevent the exploitation of employees by fixing a minimum wage rate.  The minimum rate may vary from state to state and depends on certain common factors like cost of living, wage period (hourly, weekly or monthly) and job type.

The Payment of Bonus Act, 1965

The Payment of Bonus Act provides payment of Bonus to employees in an organization that employs more than 20 people.  The Bonus is calculated on a percentage of the employee salary and would depend on the profits made by the organization.  Employees who have completed 30 working days and have earned ₹ 21,000 or less (Basic + DA excluding other allowances) are eligible to receive Bonus.

Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Maternity Benefit Act was enacted to provide protection to women employees during the maternity period.  Any women employee who has worked 80 days within a 12 month period is eligible to receive maternity benefit.  The employee can avail maternity leave for 26 weeks.  Prenatal leave can be availed for up to 8 weeks.  The payment during this leave period is based on the average daily wage applicable during the period of absence.

How to Streamline the Payroll Process?

Streamlining the entire process will depend on the payroll system that you choose.  As mentioned earlier, the three payroll systems are Manual Payroll, Payroll using in-house Software and Outsourcing Payroll.

Manual System can be efficient when the workforce is limited and is manageable by a small team that has sound Accounting knowledge.  They may or may not use Spreadsheets for their calculations.  However, there is a great probability of errors creeping into this process and the final outcome may not be always accurate.  These errors may have some effect on the entire workforce and may pave the way for disharmony.  As mentioned above when the workforce is limited this system may be beneficial, whereas, if the workforce is large and the attendance tracking is done manually, there is the possibility of discrepancies creeping in that may lead disenchantment with the management.  This will negatively affect the growth of the organization.

Payroll using In-house software is an efficient way to handle your payroll.  You may opt for either Ready-made software which has its limitations or go in for customized software that will be able to handle all your requirements.   A fully customized Payroll Management software will be able to capture work hours accurately and automatically record the working hours, define time offs, breaks and overtime.  All the other complex tasks can be performed with ease and a great degree of accuracy.

Once the Payslip is generated, all the related reports/returns can also be viewed and printed.  The relevant payment of salaries to employees and the remittance of dues to the concerned authorities can be made along with the required returns.  Once the payroll activities are fulfilled, it is only a matter of generating the Payslips and all the required reports/returns are available at the press of a button.

Most of the current software is fully automated and integrated.  This will eliminate the need for manual intervention and simplifies data input and validation of output.  The entire payroll process is streamline to maximize efficiency.

However, the drawback is that errors may happen at the time of data entry which may have its effect on the final outcome.  Also any change in the Statutory Compliance rules and regulations does not get automatically updated.  This requires manual intervention and the onus is, therefore, on the HR team to keep this aspect fully updated.

The most efficient system is to outsource the entire Payroll processing to a professional Payroll outsourcer.  This may be costly, but over a period of time the accurate performance would far outweigh the cost incurred.  The main advantage of payroll outsourcing is that it eases the compliance burden and provides peace of mind.  At best payroll outsourcing removes the burden of maintaining an in-house processing team and gives you the convenience and sophistication of a professional payroll management system that is error-free.

By outsourcing, all core payroll tasks are handled with ease and all payments are made on time and accurately.  The biggest advantage is that you are 100% compliant with all the statutory rules and regulations.

How GetifyHR can help you?

GetifyHR is one of the leading outsourcers of Payroll Processing in the region.  Based out of Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, we have been providing highly professional service to a large number of clients across Indi.  We provide a high-end cloud-based, seamlessly integrated package that streamlines Payroll Processing, HR Management, Attendance & Leave Management, and Statutory Compliance rules and regulations.  An association with GetifyHR will help you to achieve tangible benefits by ensuring cost and time savings, thereby improving productivity and the performance at all service levels.

By outsourcing to GetifyHR, you will be able to generate Payslips at the scheduled time without any hitch.  The payslips will be available to the employer and the relevant payments can be released to the employees once it is endorsed by the management.  At the same times all the statutory dues to the concerned departments can be remitted along with the relevant returns.   On completion of the process, the following reports will be prepared and accessible to the employer.

  • Payroll summary
  • Allowances and Deductions Reports
  • Attendance reports of all employees
  • Employee Leave report
  • Employee Overtime report
  • All statutory reports relating to EPF, ESI, TDS and Professional Tax.

All management reports will be generated and these will be made available to the clients as and when required.

In addition to this we offer a full-fledged Employee Service Portal.  The Portal enables the employees to apply for leave, view the Payslips, declare investment details that reflect TDS exemption, keep track of all the circulars and notices issued by the management, view contribution and deduction details. View expenses/reimbursement claim details etc.  A Mobile App is also available that helps employees to view certain details from their mobile phones.

All these and more facilities are available to the clients.  Being a modular package, you can choose to start with regular modules and add on other modules as you grow in confidence with the performance of the package.  GetifyHR assures its clients the very best of services at all times.

Budget 2025 and the Effect on Salaried Employees

Budget 2025 and the Effect on Salaried Employees

The Hon. Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman presented her 8th Union Budget in Parliament on 1st  February 2025. This Budget has been widely welcomed by all sections of society and hailed for its forward-looking and growth-oriented proposals. A special highlight is the tax reliefs for Middle-class taxpayers, especially salaried employees.

In this article, we will analyze the benefits that salaried employees will get through the proposed changes.

Budget 2025 has increased the nil-tax threshold to ₹ 12.75 lakhs for salaried employees and individuals with a higher standard deduction of ₹ 75,000 in the New Regime made in Budget 2024 from the earlier ₹ 50,000.  However, for those who opt for the Old Regime the standard deduction remains at ₹ 50,000. The tax exemptions from the previous ₹ 7 lakhs to ₹ 12.75 lakhs is a major jump and has been hailed as the biggest jump in the past 4 decades. The budget also provides TDS relief to senior citizens and other depositors making fixed deposits more attractive.

Major changes in Income Tax slabs and rates in Budget 2025

Considering the Old Tax Regime and the New Tax Regime, no changes have been proposed in the latest budget proposal. Instead, the Finance Ministry has adjusted the slabs, rates, and rebates in the New Regime (25-26) to make income up to ₹ 12 lakhs tax-free, which was ₹ 7 lakhs in the FY 24-25.

Old Income tax regime: (Existing and applicable for FY 22-23)
Old Income tax slab Income tax rates
Income slab of 2.5 lakh Nil
Income slab of 2.5 to 5.0 lakh 5%
Income slab of 5.0 to 10.0 lakh 20%
Income slab of 10.0 lakh and above 30%

 

New Income tax regime (Existing and applicable for FY 22-23)
New Income tax slab ( Previous) Income tax rates
Income slab of 2.5 lakhs Nil
Income slab of 2.5 to 5.0 lakhs 5%
Income slab of 5.0 to 7.5 lakhs 10%
Income slab of 7.5 to 10.0 lakhs 15%
Income slab of 10.0 to 12.5 lakhs 20%
Income slab of 12.5 to 15.0 lakhs 25%
Income slab of 15.0 lakhs and above 30%

 

New Income tax regime (Revised in Budget 2023)(For FY 23-24)
New Income tax slab (Revised) Income tax rates
Income slab of 3.0 lakhs Nil
Income slab of 3.0 to 6.0 lakhs 5%
Income slab of 6.0 to 9.0 lakhs 10%
Income slab of 9.0 to 12.0 lakhs 15%
Income slab of 12.0 to 15.0 lakhs 20%
Income slab of 15.0 lakhs and above 30%

 

The IT slab under the New Regime (24-25) are detailed below:
New Income Tax Slabs Income Tax rates
Income slab of 3.0 lakhs Nil
Income slab of 3.0 to 7.0 lakhs 5%
Income slab of 7.0 to 10.0 lakhs 10%
Income slab of 10.0 to 12.0 lakhs 15%
Income slab of 12.0 to 15.0 lakhs 20%
Income slab of 15.0 lakhs and above 30%

 

The Revised slabs under the New Regime (25-26) are detailed below:
Total Income Income tax Rates
Up to ₹ 4,00,000 Nil
4,00,001 to 8,00,000 5%
8,00,001 to 12,00,000 10%
12,00,001 to 16,00,000 15%
16,00,001 to 20,00,000 20%
20,00,001 to 24,00,000 25%
Above 24,00,000 30%

The Income slabs proposed under the New Tax Regime in Budget 2025 are a great boon to salaried employees as it helps them to save Income tax up to a maximum of ₹1,14,000. These savings are based on the premise that an individual claims only the standard rebate of ₹ 75,000 under the new tax regime. However, a salaried employee can save more tax if he claims a deduction on his employer’s contribution towards the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

The savings under the proposed New Income tax regime are detailed below:
Total

Taxable

 Income

 Tax Payable

as per the current

Tax rates 2024-25

 Tax payable as per

the

New Tax rates

2025-26

 Income tax saved through

Budget 2025
12,75,000 83,200 0 83,200
15,00,000 1,30,000 97,500 32,500
16,00,000 1,54,000 1,13,100 40,300
20,00,000 2,78,200 1,92,400 85,800
24,75,000 4,26,400 3,12,000 1,14,000
25,00,000 4,34,200 3,19,800 1,14,000

 

Comparison of tax payable (New Regime) for the FY 24-25 (AY 25-26) and FY 25-26 (AY 26-27)
Tax  Payable FY 24-25 (AY 25-26) Tax Payable FY 25-26 (AY 26-27)
Total Taxable Income Tax Rates Tax Payable Total Taxable Income Tax Rates Tax Payable
Up to 3,00,000 0% ₹ 0 Up to 4,00,000 0 % ₹ 0
3,00,001 to 7,00,000 5% ₹ 20,000 4,00,001 to 8,00,000 5% ₹ 20,000
7,00,01 to 10,00,000 10% ₹ 30,000 8,00,001 to 12,00,000 10% ₹ 20,000
10,00,001 to 12,00,000 15% ₹ 30,000 12,00,001 to 16,00,000 15% ₹ 60,000
12,00,001 to 15,00,000 20% ₹ 60,000 16,00,001 to 20,00,000 20% ₹ 80,000
15,00,001 to 25,00,000 30% ₹ 1,50,000

 

The proposed amendments in Budget 2025 may significantly boost the number of taxpayers who opt for the new tax regime. The middle-class income groups stand to gain the most, with the tax-free limit now raised up to ₹ 12.75 lakhs for salaried individuals and individuals, and the revised slabs reducing the overall taxable liability. Statistics show that 72% of taxpayers had opted for the New Tax Regime (23-24) up from 66% in the previous year. This trend is likely to continue due to the benefits the proposed amendments provide. However, taxpayers who benefit from deductions such as HRA, Home loans, and investments may still prefer the Old Tax Regime.

The proposed changes in Income Tax rates and rebates would put more spendable income in the hands of taxpayers which would hopefully encourage tax filing compliance. The flip side is that it could possibly discourage investment in savings schemes.

Conclusion

The proposed amendments in the Union Budget 2025 will greatly benefit the middle-class taxpayer, especially the salaried employee, and leave more disposable income in the hands of individuals thus enabling higher spending and investments.

Experts believe that the much-needed tax relief was necessary for boosting consumer demand, especially as it allows more disposable income in the hands of middle-class taxpayers. The proposed changes are bound to empower the taxpayer and promote greater financial inclusivity. GetifyHR has been at the forefront of supporting the needs of our clients in fulfilling their Income Tax needs and is fully equipped to handle the proposed changes. We are there to assist all our clients in seamlessly handling the statutory compliance requirements and keep the company fully compliant.

statutory compliance blog

Statutory Compliance Checklist for Starting a Business in India

India is emerging as one of the fastest-growing economies globally and is projected to become the 3rd largest economy after the USA and China in the next few years. The Corporate sector has a major role to play in this growth and this can be achieved only when they adhere fully to all the statutory rules and regulations. Therefore, it is important that any startup, whether big or small, has to fully comply with these laws. In this article we have compiled a detailed statutory compliance checklist that will safeguard the business. We hope this would be a Start-up guidance for being fully compliant of all statutory requirements.

What are Statutory Compliance and the Risks of Non-compliance!

Statutory Compliance is a framework established by the Government to regulate the operations of a business and entails meeting legal, financial, and regulatory requirements. This includes how a business treats its employees, handles its finances and HR policies. Every company regardless of its size or industry has to ensure fair treatment of the employees, safe working conditions, and regular payment of salaries, taxes, and other benefits.

Statutory compliance is a legal framework and any non-compliance will attract legal proceeding that includes fines, legal issues and damage to reputation. Complying with these compliance deadlines ensures that you are:

  • Avoiding Legal pitfalls: Non-compliance or late filing can lead to fines, penalties, or more severe legal ramifications.
  • Streamlining Operational Efficiency: Regular compliance will ensure smooth operational efficiency and avoids last minute rushes that can disrupt the business processes.
  • Upholding Company Reputation: Being recognized as a compliant organization boosts stakeholder confidence and maintains business goodwill in the industry.

Companies in India, including start-ups must ensure compliance in 4 key areas.

1.  Industrial Relations

The provisions with regard to the payment of salaries and other benefits to employees top the list as they have to be strictly adhered to. To this effect, the provisions under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976, need to be strictly implemented. In addition to these, the Social Security contributions through the Employees Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) 1992, The Employees State Insurance Act,1948, the Labour Welfare Fund and Payment of Gratuity Rules, 1976 have to be given due importance.

2.  Labour Laws

The provisions of the Labour Laws lays out the working conditions of the employees like fixed working hours, overtime, maintenance of workplace safety standards, and prevention of discrimination on the basis of race, colour, gender or sexual orientation.

3.  Tax Compliance

Tax compliance is the willingness of a taxpayer to abide by the applicable tax laws, file tax returns and pay the tax dues within the stipulated period. Tax compliance is, therefore, crucial for all businesses and being fully compliant will ultimately facilitate business growth. The types of tax compliance includes the Central taxes such as the Income Tax Act (IT), Goods & Service Tax (GST)and Customs Act and the State Government taxes like Professional Tax, Stamp Duty & Registration Fees Act, Road Tax & Motor Vehicle Act and Excise Duty. The relevant registrations like PAN, TAN, and GST are mandatory. The relevant Income Tax Returns, audits, GST Returns need to be filed along with the tax dues within the stipulated time.

4.  Additional Compliance

In addition to these there are compliance laws that pertain to environmental clearance, data privacy regulation and IP protection.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Non-compliance of the Statutory Rules and Regulations can bring about potential harm to the entire working of the company. The risks stemming from non-compliance are far-reaching and can seriously affect the company’s credibility, performance, and overall growth. We envisage the following risks of non-compliance:

1.  Imposition of Fines and Penalties

Non-compliance can lead to the imposition of hefty fines and penalties by the concerned authorities. This will negatively impact the working of the company.

2.  Loss of Productivity and Revenue

The workplace is thrown into disharmony due to non-compliance especially if the social security schemes have not been complied with. This disharmony leads to a loss of productivity and revenue.

3.  Damages the Brand Image and Business Integrity

Non-compliance damages the Brand Image and Business Integrity of the company and this will negatively impact the company’s standing and growth.

4.  Loss of Customer Loyalty

Customer Loyalty is negatively impacted by non-compliance leading to loss in business volume.

5.  Government sanctions and license suspension

Non-compliance when serious and repeated many times will bring about sanctions and ultimately may lead to license suspensions by the government authorities.

Statutory Compliance Checklist

This Statutory Compliance Checklist has been designed keeping in mind the 4 key areas that companies need to be compliant with.

1.  Industrial Relations

Complying fully with the rules and regulations enshrined in the Acts pertaining to Industrial relations will ensure fair working conditions, smooth resolution of disputes, and prevention of discrimination in the workplace. These rules and regulations are meant to strengthen the interests of the employees and employers and pave the way for a fair and harmonious work environment.

1.1 Minimum Wages Act, 1948

The calls to pay Minimum wages to employees had been an oft-repeated demand much before India gained Independence, and this call fructified after Independence when the Minimum Wages Act was passed in the year 1948. The Act ensures the payment of minimum wages to employees and this figure is decided at the national, state or district levels. The minimum slab may be arrived at based on the occupation and cost of living of the region where the business operates.

The Act prevents the exploitation of employees and ensures that they receive fair remuneration for their work.

1.2 Payment of Wages Act, 1936

The Act was enacted in the year 1936 to ensure that the employees receive their wages on time and in full. The Act regulates the payment of wages and lays conditions on the timing, mode of payment and deductions from wages that are allowed. Depending on the number of employees, the wages have to be paid before the 7th or 10thday after the end of the wage period. Unauthorised deductions are prohibited and it limits deductions for fines, damages or advances to specified percentage of the wages.

1.3 Payment of Bonus Act, 1965

Any company having 20 or more employees is subject to pay an annual bonus under the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965. Under this Act, eligible employees are entitled a minimum bonus of 8.33% of their annual wages or ₹ 100/-, whichever is higher. There is a maximum cap of 20% bonus payable.

1.4 The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

The Maternity Benefit Act, 1961 has been passed to protect the health and well being of pregnant women and new mothers in the workforce. Under the Act, eligible women employees are entitled to maternity leave of 26 weeks of which 8 weeks of leave can be availed before the expected date of delivery. Employers have to pay full wages during the maternity leave period, thus ensuring that pregnant employees can avail leave without facing any financial hardships.

1.5  EPF and ESI

The Employees Provident Fund & Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act, 1992 was enacted to implement social welfare and employee security measures. The Act requires the Employee to contribute 12% of the Basic salary + DA towards the Fund with an equal amount being contributed by the employer. These contributions accumulate during the service period and can be withdrawn at retirement, resignation, or in case of any emergencies. The Employer is entrusted with the job of maintaining these records and remitting the contribution amounts to the department every month without fail.

In addition to this, the Employees State Insurance Act, 1948 offers social security benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity, disablement, or death due to occupational hazard. Both the employee and employer contributes towards this fund at 0.75% and 3.25% of wages respectively. These contributions fund the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and provide medical and cash benefits to insured employees and their families.

Employers have to strictly adhere to the rules and regulations, and any non-compliance will entail payment of penalty of up to ₹ 10,000/- and may also have to face imprisonment of up to 3 years.

2.  Labour Laws

The labour laws are meant to safeguard employees from discrimination and exploitation on the grounds of gender. They enable all employees regardless of gender to be equally remunerated.

2.1 Equal Remuneration Act, 1976

This Act was passed to encourage gender equality as it prohibits paying women lower wages when compared to men for the same work. The purpose of this Act is to prevent discrimination against women and to economically empower them.

2.2  Sexual Harassment of Women at the Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

The Act was enacted to prevent sexual harassment of women in the workplace and address them with diligence and in a fair manner. Any company that employees 10 or more employees has to form an Internal Complain Committee (ICC) to investigate sexual harassment complaints and is empowered to give verbal or written warning, transfer, suspend or terminate the accused if found guilty.

Not forming the ICC is non-compliance that would result in a fine of up to ₹ 50,000/- and additional fines will be imposed for additional non-compliance. The aggrieved employee can approach courts for legal action against the accused.

2.3 Health and Safety at the Workplace

This statutory compliance operates under the Factories Act and 12 other similar acts pertaining to Industrial Safety and Health.  The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, one of the Codes under the New Labour Laws subsumed these13 Acts.  The New Labour Laws were passed by parliament and notified by the Government, but is yet to be implemented.

The safety guidelines apply to all factories, mines, constructions sites and offices. The law and its rules ensure the prevention of occupational accidents, injuries and diseases. Non-compliance can lead to fines and legal action, leading to imprisonment for negligence as an employer.

2.4 Payment of Gratuity Act, 1976

Any company or start-up with 10 or more employees is governed by this Act. The Act envisages the payment of Gratuity to employees who have completed 5 years of service with the company. Contravention of the Gratuity Act can result in a fine of ₹ 20,000/- or imprisonment up to 2 years or both.

3.  Tax Compliances

The Government needs to mobilize significant amounts of tax to finance infrastructure development programs. Both the Central and State Governments impose taxes on companies that are required to comply with each of these tax laws. We can classify taxes in India into two types, namely Direct and Indirect Taxes.

3.1 Direct Taxes

Direct Tax is the Tax that a company or individual pays directly to the respective governments. Some of the Direct Taxes in India are:

  • Income Tax or Corporate Tax
  • Capital Gains Tax
  • Security Transaction Tax
  • Dividend Distribution Tax
  • Gift Tax
  • Wealth Tax

These taxes are levied based on the respective tax legislation. The Income Tax Act of 1961 requires corporate or start-ups to ensure that Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is deducted according to taxable income of the assessee. Under the TDS rule, every payment made to an assessee is subject to a TDS deduction. Employees have to deduct TDS from the employees’ wages and remit it to the department. The employees can then file a TDS return to claim a refund of the deducted TDS.

3.2 Indirect Taxes

Indirect Taxes are levied on the consumption of goods and services. The amount of taxes has no direct linkage with personal income or business profit. The following are the Indirect Taxes levied in India.

  • Goods and Services Tax (GST)
  • Service Tax
  • Excise Tax
  • Entertainment Tax

For being compliant with the Indirect Tax laws, companies need to follow the underlying tax legislations. Voluntarily disclose taxable activities, remit the tax payments within the stipulated time limits, and perform tax audits and documentation.

GST is the most important Indirect Tax legislated by the government. The new GST rules were passed under the 10th Constitution Amendment Act of 2016. All companies are required to comply with the rules under these amendments. Service Tax, Excise Duty, Customs Duty, Entry Tax, Entertainment Tax, etc., are all consolidated under one single indirect tax, the Goods and Service Tax (GST). Though the implementation of GST is complex it is essential to know the category of GST applicable to one’s line of business and comply with the rules.

3.3 Tax Liabilities for Investors

Start ups that receive funds from Investors are subject to taxation as these investments are deemed as “Income from other sources”. This is taxed at corporate rates under sections 56(2) and 68 of the IT Act. Angel Tax i.e., tax levied on investments into a Company through sale of shares above market value have seen changes that makes it taxable now for foreign investments also.

3.4 Tax Liabilities of Foreign Companies in India

Foreign companies that set up units in India are also liable to pay taxes as the IT Act of 1961 and GST rules. The following table gives details of the Taxes and Compliance requirements of Foreign Companies in India.

Types of Tax Compliance Requirement
Direct Taxes – IT & TDS Filing of IT Returns,  TDS
Indirect Taxes – GST GST Dues and Returns
Investor Tax Taxes on Investments received
Foreign Company Taxes Pay taxes as applicable to Foreign Companies in India
4. Additional Compliance

These include the laws pertaining to Environmental clearance, Data Privacy, and IP Protection.

4.1 Environmental Clearance

The regulations fall under various Acts including the Factories Act, 1948, Environment Protection Act, 1986, Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981, Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016 and the Companies Act, 2013. Non-compliance with any of these rules will attract heavy fines, license suspension, and even closure of the unit.

4.2 Data Privacy

Companies must put in place measures to protect the data privacy of employees and customers. The Data Protection Act of 2013 and the IT Act of 2000 spells out the rules to this effect. Preventing unauthorized access, utilization, and unwanted disclosures can damage the reputation of the company and attract fines and legal proceedings.

4.3 IP Protection

The Patents Act, 1970, the Trademark Act of 1999,the Designs Act of 2000, and the Copyright Act of 1957 provide the rules for IP protection. These regulations safeguard inventions, trademarks, and designs and prevent plagiarism. Non-compliance leads to prosecution.

Ways to combat Non-compliance with all Statutory Compliance rules and regulations.

We recommend 3 ways to be compliant of all the Statutory Compliance rules and regulations.

1.  Stay Updated and Audit Regularly.

Stay updated on all changes that take place in the rules and regulations. Conduct regular Audits to check your compliance performance. Your updated compliance trends and reports will help you to ascertain your readiness to be compliant always.

2.   Prepare a “What to do List”.

Draw a list of the due dates applicable to all the Statutory Compliance rules and regulations and track the performance. Conduct team meetings to review the process to confirm the completion of your operation to stay compliant. Such a plan will help to optimize costs, save time, and prevent negative results.

3.   Hire Professionals

You can get the assistance of Professionals who will be able to keep you updated on all the changes and maintain full compliance. This may pose to be an additional expense for start-ups; you cannot ignore the fact that being non-compliant would be more expensive.

Conclusion

Navigating the Statutory Compliance rules and regulations can be a very challenging task given the complexities of the compliance laws. Outsourcing this critical task to an external agency is the ideal solution for start-ups. GetifyHR is one of t he leading outsourcers of Payroll Processing and Statutory Compliance and an association with us would ensure greater accuracy and full adherence to all the compliance requirements. By outsourcing Payroll Services, businesses can reduce the risks associated with non-compliance and continue to focus on their core business activities.

GetifyHR offers a comprehensive solution for Payroll Processing and Statutory Compliance. With years of experience in handling this process, we ensure that start-ups can navigate through this complex set of rules and regulations with ease. Companies can handle their core business activities with greater focus and peace of mind, once they are confident that a tried and tested expert partner is efficiently handling their payroll and statutory obligations.

Notice Period

Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Notice Period

In the ever-changing world of work, the notice period is essential to facilitating seamless job changes. It facilitates the transition from an employee’s leaving to their replacement’s onboarding, assisting in the preservation of operational continuity. This thorough study explores the technical aspects of notice periods, with special attention to regulations, employee transitions, and notice period significance in India.

Understanding Notice Periods

A notice period is a set amount of time that an employee has to work out before leaving an organization. It’s a contractual requirement meant to provide the employer enough time to find a successor and maintain uninterrupted business operations.

An employee must serve out a notice period following their resignation from their position in order to formally quit the company. It is a common provision in employment contracts and differs among businesses, sectors, and nations. Notice periods are intended to give both the employer and the employee the time to make the necessary preparations for a seamless transfer.

Notice Period in India

In India, labor laws, corporate policy, and employment contracts all regulate notice periods. Depending on the industry norms and the seniority of the role, the notice period in India may last anywhere from a few days to several months. Junior employees usually have a notice term of thirty days, whereas senior executives typically have a notice period of sixty to ninety days.

Legal Framework:

Notice periods are somewhat regulated by the Indian labor law system, which includes the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, and the Shops and Establishments Act. For example, a workman (non-managerial employee) who has been hired by the recruiter for a minimum of one year is entitled to one month’s notice before termination under the Industrial Disputes Act, or pay in lieu of notice. Notice periods in India, however, are mostly dictated by the terms specified in the employment contract for managerial and executive responsibilities.

Notice Period Policies
Duration and Structure:
  • Fixed Notice Periods: The majority of Indian businesses have a set notice time, which is typically outlined in the employment contract. This could be the same at every level or different depending on jobs and seniority.
  • Probationary Periods: Since this stage is seen as a trial term, the notice time is often shorter during probation, ranging from immediate to one week.
  • Tailored Notice Periods: Organizations may occasionally bargain for a notice period that is determined by certain agreements with employees.
Buyout Option:

The buyout option pays the company for the portion of the notice period that is not used by employees who leave before it finishes. Usually, the compensation sum is equal to the wage for the unsettled notice period. With this option, workers can move on to new possibilities with flexibility and know that their employer will be paid for their abrupt resignation.

Garden Leave:

Some businesses offer “garden leave,” which allows workers to serve their notice term away from the office. This keeps outgoing staff members from gaining access to private data or stealing clients and coworkers. As per the notice period policies, employees continue to get their pay and benefits throughout this time.

Immediate Termination:

Employers are entitled to instantly terminate an employee’s employment without any notice in circumstances of gross misconduct or contract violations. To prevent legal issues, these acts must be justified and documented.

Employee Transitions
Handover Process:

To guarantee a seamless employee transition, a clearly established handover procedure is essential. It entails the leaving employee giving their expertise, duties, and continuing tasks to a new hiring or a selected coworker. Sessions for exchanging expertise and thorough documentation are crucial parts of this process.

Knowledge Transfer:

Transferring knowledge effectively is essential to reducing interruptions. Employees who are leaving should record their work procedures, important contacts, and any unresolved matters. Frequent encounters with the successor can help to impart implicit knowledge that might not be recorded..

Exit Interviews:

Exit interviews offers insightful information about the factors that led to an employee’s leaving. Organizations can use this input to pinpoint areas for development and make adjustments to promote staff retention.

Successor Training:

In the event that a successor has been chosen, giving them sufficient training during the notice period guarantees that they are equipped to assume the position. Both organizational culture and technical factors should be included in this training.

Effects of Notice Periods on Workers

Notice period in India has a big influence on a worker’s career change and job hunt. An employee’s capacity to quickly investigate other options may be hampered by a prolonged notice period. In the event that the departing employee cannot find employment quickly after quitting, it could potentially result in financial difficulties. Conversely, a shortened notice period could make it more difficult for the employer to maintain business continuity.

Instigation on Morale and Productivity of Employees

Reduced Morale: Workers who are keen to explore new prospects may experience a decline in morale as a result of prolonged notice period policies. Job satisfaction and productivity may suffer as a result.

Decreased Engagement: Workers with extended notice periods may become disengaged from their jobs and concentrate more on looking for new employment than on their existing duties.

Higher Turnover: Employees who feel trapped by lengthy notice periods are more inclined to quit suddenly and before using up the entire notice period, which raises the turnover rate.

Sway on Business Operations and Employers:

Trouble Finding New Employees: Extended notice periods may complicate the process for businesses in finding qualified replacements promptly, which could cause disruptions to business operations.

Increased Costs: During the notice period, employers may have to pay more for overtime, temporary workers, or outsourcing in order to fill open positions.

Intellectual Property Loss: Prolonged notice periods in India raise the possibility that departing employees will take important information or knowledge with them, which might be detrimental to the company.

Effect on the Job Market:

Whole Talent Acquisition Difficulties: Prolonged notice periods can impede the free flow of talent in the employment market, making it more challenging for businesses to quickly fill open positions.

Decreased Employee Mobility: Strict notice period regulations/ requirements may restrict an employee’s ability to move about, which may hinder their capacity to learn new skills and pursue new career prospects.

Economic Impact: By impeding the effective use of human resources, extended notice periods may be a factor in the economic downturn.

Conclusion

Understanding the intricacies of notice periods is essential for recruiters to manage employee transitions effectively. In India, notice periods are influenced by a combination of contractual agreements and labor laws. The best Compliance and Payroll Service Provider, GetifyHR, will provide the help you need if you require any clarification understanding notice periods. Our services provide error-free payroll processing, maintain compliance, and enhance employee satisfaction. By implementing well-defined notice period policies, facilitating smooth handovers, and maintaining clear communication, recruiters can ensure seamless transitions that benefit both the organization and the employees. As the employment landscape continues to evolve, GetifyHR ensures that its clients always stay informed about best practices and legal requirements surrounding the notice periods in India.

Employee Onboarding to Offboarding

The Ultimate Employee Onboarding to Offboarding Checklist

Any firm that wants to successfully navigate the trip from first interest to final farewell must have an efficient employee lifecycle. A well-organized onboarding procedure gives new hires a feeling of community, opens doors, and positions them for success. On the other hand, a smooth offboarding procedure guarantees a happy exit and upholds the reputation of your business. With an emphasis on onboarding, offboarding, training, and employee well-being, this extensive resource covers best practices for managing the employee lifecycle.

This extensive blog post is your go-to resource for information on managing the employment lifetime. We’ll go into best practices for onboarding and offboarding employees, as well as the significance of training and employee well-being throughout the process.

Employee Onboarding: A Hearty Welcome Awaits

Onboarding new hires involve more than just paperwork. Making a good first impression and putting new personnel on the right track for long-term success are keys.

Here is a thorough check list to guarantee a smooth employee onboarding procedure:

Before Participating:

  • Extending an Offer and Taking the Position: Provide a formal offer letter that details the start date, benefits package, salary range, and position. Send out a welcome bundle containing information for the first day, company gifts, and required paperwork.
  • Prior to Embarking Tasks: Assign assignments like finishing background checks and getting acquainted with the company’s regulations.

Employee Onboarding Checklist

  • Employee Information
  • Academic Certificates
  • Previous Employment Certificates
  • Income Tax Papers (IT Statement) of previous employment and inform the employees to add their previous employment while declaring their investments
  • Signing NDA (Non Disclosure Agreements)
  • Sharing Appointment Letters
  • Induction of job role
  • Sharing HR Policies, Company Policies, Code of Conduct, etc
To ensure compliance and seamless onboarding, gather the following documents:
Employee Information

Full name, birth date, address, phone number, email address, emergency contact details, and social security number or similar.

Goal: Keeping correct personnel records, guaranteeing efficient communication, and handling emergencies all depend on this data.

Academic Certificates:

Attain certified copies of transcripts, degrees, diplomas, and any pertinent professional certificates.

Goal: Confirming an employee’s educational background helps to uphold the caliber and reputation of your staff by ensuring they meet the requirements for their role.

Previous Employment Certificates:

Experience certificates, letters of recommendation, and any other records attesting to prior employment history.

Goal: By verifying a candidate’s professional development, work history, and abilities, these records help employers decide whether or not they are qualified for the position for which they are applying.

Income Tax Papers (IT Statement) of Prior Employment: Copies of the most recent IT statements, Form 16, and any other pertinent tax records from prior employers.

Goal: Accurate tax compliance and calculation depend on these documents. Tell staff members that in order to guarantee correct tax deduction and benefits, they should submit information about their prior job when declaring their investments.

Signing Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs):

Signed NDAs that specify the conditions under which information will remain confidential.

Goal: NDAs are essential for safeguarding confidential business data and intellectual property. Ensuring that all new recruits sign these agreements contributes to the protection of trade secrets and confidential company information.

Exchange of Appointment Letters:

An official letter outlining the position, duties, pay scale, perks, start date, and any other relevant employment conditions.

Goal: By defining the terms of work, appointment letters act as a formal agreement between the employer and employee. By doing this, miscommunication is reduced and it is made sure that everyone is aware of the terms and circumstances of the job.

Job position Induction:

Details to Provide: A thorough induction program that covers the main duties, performance standards, and an outline of the position as well as preliminary training plans.

Goal: New hires need inductions to help them get adjusted to their responsibilities. A comprehensive employee onboarding process facilitates comprehension of job responsibilities, helps individuals align with organizational objectives, and expedites productivity and team cohesion.

Disseminating Company Policies, code of conduct, and HR Policies:

Information to Provide: Detailed documentation detailing the company’s ethics, code of conduct, health and safety regulations, HR policies, and any other pertinent procedural documents.

Goal: By making these materials available, employers may make sure that new hires are aware of the behavioral norms and operational requirements of the business. This helps workers understand their rights and duties and fosters a consistent and fair work environment.

By diligently collecting and sharing these documents, you can ensure a smooth and efficient employee onboarding process that sets the foundation for a successful and compliant employment relationship.

First Day:

Greetings of Welcome: Give a hearty welcome to the new hire and introduce them to important team members. Give a brief summary of the goals, core principles, and organizational structure of the business.

Workstation Configuration: Ensure that the new hire’s desk is equipped with all the devices and tools they require.
Introduction of the Manager: Call a meeting to go over objectives and goals with the direct manager.

Offboarding Employees: A Compassionate Farewell

Employee offboarding is just as important as onboarding, despite the fact that it is occasionally overlooked. A well-run offboarding procedure guarantees a seamless transition, upholds goodwill, and protects the company’s resources and expertise.

Predominant Offboarding Checklist includes:

  • Knowledge Transfer
  • Revocation of Data and Access
  • Return of Business Assets
  • Conducting an exit interview
  • Final Pay & Benefits
  • Communication of Farewell

A polite and professional employee offboarding process can be ensured by adhering to the following guidelines:

Knowledge Transfer:

To ensure that ongoing projects continue smoothly, make it easier for the departing employee’s replacement or other team members to acquire the knowledge they need. This includes sharing important contacts, recording procedures, and providing an update on the state of ongoing projects.

Purpose: Ensuring a comprehensive knowledge transfer keeps important institutional knowledge safe, maintains productivity, and helps avoid work disruptions. To make sure nothing is lost, make sure the replacement has received and comprehended the knowledge transfer.

Revocation of Data and Access:

Specifics: Cut off users’ access to email accounts, databases, and other systems used by the organization. Get login credentials for all company software and apps, as well as disable logins.

Goal: Removing access stops illegal use of business resources and guards against any security breaches of important data. It’s essential for preserving security and safeguarding confidential information.

Return of Business Assets:

Information: Collect all items that were given to the employee by the company, including laptops, cell phones, access cards, badges, keys, and any other supplies or equipment.

Goal: Ensuring the return of company property keeps inventories under control and guards against the loss of priceless equipment. It also guarantees that the leaving employee does not have any proprietary materials with them.

Conducting a Farewell Interview:

Specifics: To get input on the employee’s experience, the reasons behind their departure, and suggestions for enhancements, conduct an exit interview. Talk about the problems they had, how satisfied they were overall, and any suggestions they had for the business.

Goal: By revealing information on employee churn, exit interviews aid in pinpointing problem areas and can draw attention to matters that may require attention in order to improve staff retention.

Furthermore, if the worker is willing to reevaluate their leave, talk to them about their alternatives for a resignation withdrawal.

Final Pay & Benefits:

Specifics: Make sure that the outgoing employee’s last salary and related benefits are appropriately computed and disbursed on schedule.

Goal: Complying with legal requirements and keeping good relations with the departing employee are two benefits of making timely and precise final payments. It exhibits professionalism and gratitude for the employee’s input.

Farewell Communication:

Details: Let the team know that the worker is leaving, and make sure to thank them in public for their efforts. To show your appreciation and wish them luck in their future pursuits, organize a farewell party or send an email to the entire staff.

Goal: Expressing gratitude to the departing employee, fostering a courteous and upbeat work atmosphere, and helping

Additional Offboarding Considerations
  • Offer of Reemployment: Consider offering reemployment opportunities under specific conditions.
  • Assistance with Statutory Benefits: Help employees secure their statutory benefits to ensure a smooth transition.
Q&A:

Addressing Concerns about Employee Onboarding to Offboarding

What is the ideal duration for the onboarding process?

The duration varies based on role complexity, organizational culture, and industry. However, a well-structured onboarding process can range from a few weeks to several months.

What inventive ways can you involve new hires in the onboarding process?

Incorporate social events, team lunches, and mentoring programs to build connections and enhance company spirit. Gamify training modules to make learning more engaging.

What are some offboarding-related legal considerations?

Ensure compliance with local labor laws, including notification requirements, final pay calculations, and data privacy regulations.

Is keeping in touch with past employees advantageous?

Absolutely! A robust alumni network can provide future job opportunities, brand advocacy, and referrals.

How might technology make the onboarding and offboarding of employees more efficient?

HR software solutions can automate processes like completing paperwork, delivering training, and managing exit interviews.

How GetifyHR Can Assist With the Onboarding and Offboarding Process for its Clients

GetifyHR offers comprehensive payroll outsourcing services integrated with HR solutions to manage the complete employee payroll lifecycle—from joining to relieving. Our services include processing payroll, managing attendance and leave, and handling statutory compliance. By automating onboarding workflows.

Through the management of exit interviews, coordination of knowledge transfer, and tracking of returned company assets from a single platform, GetifyHR expedites the offboarding process. Through the use of questionnaires and pulse checks to collect employee input and improve the work experience, our performance management and feedback solutions assist in goal-setting, progress monitoring, and ongoing feedback provision. Furthermore, in order to pinpoint areas for development and optimize HR procedures, we produce informative reports on employee onboarding, offboarding, and performance data.

Conclusion

From employee onboarding to offboarding, a clearly defined employee lifecycle fosters a productive and engaging work environment. Investing in a structured onboarding process, supporting employee training and well-being, and ensuring a seamless offboarding experience can help businesses develop a loyal, effective, and high-performing workforce. Remember, a satisfied employee is a productive employee!

Are you prepared to streamline your employees onboarding and offboarding process? Speak with GetifyHR today to discover how our HR solutions can assist you.