Can Temporary Employees Be Treated as Apprentices for PF and ESI Coverage? Seeking HR Insights

I am working as an HR executive in a news and entertainment channel. We recruited employees on a temporary basis and are paying salaries as stipend. My question is, can we treat these employees as apprentices, and are apprentices covered under PF and ESI? Please reply as it is very crucial for me. Thanks.

Rekha
HR Executive

Apprentices and Coverage Under ESI and PF

Apprentices must be covered under ESI as well as PF if you include them in the company's payroll. This requirement does not apply if they are appointed under the Apprentices Act of 1961. If an apprentice is on the company's payroll and completes 480 days of service, they must be transitioned to the company's workmen rolls.

Regards,
Babu