Dear Neha, after going through your post, I understand that you are working on a consolidated basis. In this case, you will not get a salary break-up but merely receive consolidated payment. In general practice, if a company wants to hire a person on a consolidated basis, they need to deduct TDS after a certain level of payment as per Income Tax norms. Here, payment falls under the professional & consultancy head. According to Income Tax norms, if payment exceeds Rs.30K at any point during the financial year, the company has to deduct TDS at 10% from the respective person.
Experience Certificate
Regarding the experience certificate, it is indeed useful for your career, especially since your work experience is genuine and not fake. Therefore, there is no question of having an in vain experience certificate. Personally, I have observed many people who started as trainees or consultants in their initial stages and later progressed well in their careers. So, do not worry about your experience.
EPF Number
Regarding the EPF number, it signifies that you are a genuine and regular employee with real experience. Typically, companies assign EPF numbers to their regular staff. In your case, since you are working on a role-mode, you do not have an EPF number. My suggestion is honesty is the best policy, so explain to them what happened and how you are working in your current company. Do not hide anything or provide false information. If needed, you can show your bank statement where they can view the monthly salary amount. Try to convince them in a polite manner. I am confident that victory will be yours.
I wish you all the best.
Regards