Can We Register for PF with Just 7 Employees and Backdate Contributions? Seeking Advice

Dear Seniors, Seeking your kind guidance on the following: I have recently joined a hospital sector in HR. It has just started, with a current employee strength of 7 individuals. The payroll process is managed at the corporate office, and they are deducting the PF contribution from employees' salaries. However, the contribution is not being deposited anywhere.

PF Registration for New Setup

My question is, can we apply for PF registration for a new setup with only 7 employees? And if we proceed with this, can we obtain registration with a retrospective date from when the contributions were first deducted (from December '12)? I am concerned about ensuring that the employees are not deprived of their rights and benefits.

With Regards, Manas [Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

EPF Act Coverage for Branch Offices

It seems that the Corporate Office is covered under the EPF Act. As such, by virtue of Section 2(a), the branch office is automatically covered from the date of its start. It is advisable to take up the matter with the Corporate Office without delay in order to avoid damages and interest.

Regards,
Chandok AK
RPFC (Retd.)
<link no longer exists - removed>

Dear Sir, I have already discussed the matter with the corporate office, and they have asked me to get in touch with the local PF office personnel to get the registration of PF done. I need to ask you, can we go for PF registration if the number of employees is less than 20?

Procedure for PF Registration

And if yes, what is the procedure to follow for registration?

Waiting for your reply, please.

With Regards,
Manas
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Please get the code number of the Corporate Office and contact the Public Relations Officer (PRO) of your local PF Office for coverage under section 2-A. The PRO will guide you on the further steps to be taken. A Branch Office of a covered establishment can be covered under section 2-A with less than 20 employees, but it will be covered from the due date, i.e., the start of the branch office. You may also contact the local Enforcement Officer. You are required to fill out the Coverage Proforma for coverage under section 2-A or simply submit all relevant details to the RPFC office/EO.

Regards,
Chandok AK
RPFC (Retd.)