Hi,
The Act initially applied to factories/establishments falling within six specified industries that had completed three years of existence and employed 50 or more persons. With effect from 31-12-1960, the establishments employing 20 or more persons were also brought under the purview of the Act.
The Central Government has residual powers to apply this act to any establishment employing fewer than twenty employees. By virtue of these provisions, the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme has been extended to cinema theaters employing five or more persons, effective 1-10-1984. There is also a provision for the voluntary application of the Act to any establishment upon a joint request from the employer and the majority of its employees, to whom it does not apply otherwise.
An establishment to which this Act applies shall continue to be governed by this Act, notwithstanding that the number of persons employed therein at any time falls below twenty.
Presently, an employee at the time of joining the employment and receiving wages up to Rs. 6500/- is required to become a member. Now, an employee is eligible for membership of the fund from the very first date of joining a covered establishment.
For your information.
Warmest Regards,
Mohan.M.S