Is PF Deduction Necessary for My Rs. 16,500 Salary? Need Clarity Before Job Switch!

Dear all, I am working for a Pvt Ltd. company and I am withdrawing Rs. 16,500 in hand. The only deduction shown in my payslip is for ESI, i.e., 1.73%. Is it really mandatory for PF deduction, or is it okay without it? I am planning to switch to another company, and I am a bit confused about the salary deduction portion. Please help guide me as soon as possible.

Provident Fund (PF) and Employee State Insurance (ESI) Eligibility

PF is for employees drawing up to ₹6,500. Those who are above this threshold can also avail of the PF facility, but it is not mandatory. ESI is for employees drawing a total gross salary of ₹1,500.

Regards,
Amte v.

If Inder_4u has not become a member of PF in his present employment, he need not contribute to PF—assuming that his pay, including Basic/DA, etc., is more than Rs. 6,500. If his take-home pay is Rs. 16,500, perhaps he need not pay ESI either. If his pay has just been increased from < 15,000 to > 15,000, he will continue to pay ESI until the completion of the six-month contribution period.

Regards,
Srinivasan