Is PF not applicable for trainees (especially in hotel line)?

Is PF not applicable for trainees (especially in hotel line) . Kindly give some information

Hi,
Depending on the categories they are hired for. As most of the times hotels hire trainees from Management Training institute on trainee basis and stipend is been paid to them. If company is paying stipend to the employee then PF contribution is not applicable on the same.

I do not agree with Mr Manoj. As per section 2(f) of EPF Act 1952, the defination of an excluded employee is an Apprentice who is appointed under Indian Apprentice Act, is an excluded employee. And also if an employee basic wages is more than Rs 15000 wef 1.9.14 or Rs 6500 before 1.9.14 per month, he is also an excluded employee.
Hence there is no provision of exclusion of trainee in the Act. All trainees who are getting stipend or salary or wages or anything, they are eligible for epf membership
Regards
Vipin Gupta
EPF office