ESI and PF Rules for Multi-Location Firms: How Are Employee Numbers Counted?

I am working in a firm that has one Head Office in Malappuram, Kerala, and a Branch in Ernakulam, Kerala. The Head Office and Branch consist of a total of 9 and 8 employees, respectively. ESI and PF are applicable in our firm. We are conducting separate accounting and payroll processing at both the Head Office and Branch.

We also have plans in the next financial year to increase the number of employees at the Head Office to 14. At that time, will we need to pay ESI contributions? Will PF be applicable or not? How are the number of employees in ESI and PF considered - is it premises-wise or for the firm as a whole?

Thank you.

All units have to be covered, and for ESIC purposes, sub-codes should be taken for all units under a single PAN.

EPF can be paid in a consolidated challan if payroll is maintained at HO, or each payroll-wise sub-codes have to be taken.

Hi, you are mentioning that ESI and EPF are already applicable to the firm, and at the same time, raising questions about your firm still being uncovered. Isn't that a bit confusing? Anyway, if your firm is already covered, then an increase in the number of persons will have no effect as you can comply either jointly with the Head Office or arrange separate sub-codes, which can be obtained online.

If your firm is still not in compliance, meaning it is uncovered, please note that the number of persons employed at the Head Office and branches are merged.

Regards, P.K. Sharma