Confused About EDLI Charges and ECR File Validation? Seeking Advice on What to Do Next

We have taken a group insurance policy from LIC in lieu of the EDLI scheme and are paying the premium regularly. The policy is enforced, so my question is: Should we have to pay the EDLI charges in A/c no. 21 (i.e., 0.50%)? Should we have to show the EDLI wages (15,000) in the ECR file? Because if we are not showing EDLI wages, then the ECR file is not validated. If we are showing EDLI wages, then automatically EDLI charges are shown. Should we ignore the EDLI charges? It is editable; should we enter 0 and proceed further?

What should we do with this problem? Please, can anyone help me out?

Have you obtained exemption from EPFO for EDLI contribution? In such cases, the employer has to submit their policy details, and it must be more beneficial than the EPFO EDLI scheme to get permission.

In the absence of any such permission, it's a violation of non-payment of EDLI, irrespective of the fact that the employer has taken many policies. However, if they are not as per norms fixed by EPF, the employer has to pay EDLI.

Thank you for your kind reply. I want to clarify that we have followed all EPF norms and completed all formalities in a timely manner. I am aware that if a group insurance policy is obtained in place of EDLI, there is no requirement to pay the 0.50% EDLI charges. However, my query is as follows:

1. Should we include the EDLI wages in the designated column (15000) of the ECR file?
2. If we omit the EDLI wages, the ECR file fails validation. Conversely, if we input the EDLI wages, the EDLI charges are automatically calculated. Should we disregard the EDLI charges? The field is editable; should we input 0 and proceed?

I look forward to your kind response.

Best regards, [Your Name]

To address the issue, please get in touch with the department, providing your exemption reference and describing the situation in detail. The PRO will then en route the case to the EDP section of the EDLI division.

Under such circumstances, they will provide written permission to upload the ECR in their format but will credit the EDLI charges back to the establishment. However, this action depends on the representation by the establishment, considering that the EDLI limit has recently been raised to 6.0 lacs.

Under EDLI, make entry 0 for EDLI-exempted establishments; don't leave it blank. It will get accepted as discussed with the deputed officer of our RO for ECR2.0. They have suggested this solution. However, such establishments would be under the eyes of the department for verification.