EPF & ESI - SC has declared that Apprentice, Trainees are not entitled for PF Benefits - any amendments?

On January 31, 2006, the Supreme Court declared that apprentices and trainees are not entitled to PF benefits. Can anyone provide information on the recent amendments regarding this issue? Are they now eligible for PF and ESI benefits?

Dear Candidate,

With reference to your query, as per the Factories Act, the trainees/apprentices are covered under the ESIC Act.

Hi Yesuraja,

Apprentices who are undergoing training as part of their curriculum are not eligible for PF or ESI. However, trainees who were employed on a full-time basis are eligible for PF and ESI.

Dear Mr. V.M. Lakshminarayanan,

Thank you for your response. Our company is registered under the Shops and Establishments Act in Karnataka. Therefore, I would like to inquire whether the apprentices/trainees who are on a probationary period are covered under EPF and ESI.

Thank you.