Is My Small Advertising Company in Chennai Required to Register for EPF and ESI?

Hi Seniors, please clarify the following for me. I am working with an advertising company in Chennai with a manpower strength of 18, and we currently have 1 employee in Kolkata. However, we are planning to expand the workforce in Kolkata to a maximum of 5 employees. My question is whether my company falls under EPF & ESI or not. In my company, only 10 employees have a basic salary below 6500, and 10 employees have a gross salary below 15000. My boss is inclined towards PPF and is not interested in EPF. Do I need to register for EPF & ESI, or is it exempted for my company?

I am eagerly awaiting your reply.

Thank you.

A company is eligible for PF & ESI if its employee strength is 20 or more. It is mandatory for any establishment to get registered under the PF Act even if the salary of 20 employees is above 6500. In the case of ESI, if they do not fall under ESI applicability, they can opt for the WC Act.

Regards,
Vikram