Are Trainees Eligible for EPF Coverage? Let's Discuss the Details

Dear all, whether trainees are covered under EPF.

Regards,
Ramu

No, if the trainees who are appointed on roll, it means they should be covered under EPF & ESIC.

In my opinion, all depends upon the terms and conditions of the appointment. It has been held that merely producing the appointment orders and labeling the workers as 'apprentices' will not take away the jurisdiction of the Authority under the Act.

It has also been held that trainees are not included within the definition of an employee as contained in the EPF and MP Act, but this also depends upon whether they are appointed under certified Standing Orders of the Company. Please refer to the latest cases of MRF Ltd. Pondicherry v. PO. EPFAT of Madras High Court and the case of Subros Ltd. v. RPFC Meerut.

Regards,
A.K. Chandok
RPFC (Retd.)
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Coverage of Trainees Under ESI and PF

All workers are included in ESI and PF with no exemptions. Trainees and apprentices are also covered under ESI and PF benefits.

Regards,
Rangasamy
HR
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Every employee employed in or in connection with the work of a factory or other establishment to which this scheme applies, other than an excluded employee, shall be entitled and required to become a member of the Fund from the day this paragraph comes into force in such factory or other establishment. Therefore, you have to include trainees in the EPF.

Regards,
Sunil Sharma

Except for Act Apprentices, all will come under the EPF Act and ESI Act.

Regards,
K.S. Arumukarajen