EPFO sees over 19 lakh payroll additions in April, led by young first-time workers

Rising job opportunities, improved benefits awareness, and increased female participation drive growth in formal employment

June 23, 2025

New subscriber enrolments reached 8.49 lakh, up 12.49% month-on-month

Youth aged 18–25 made up 57.67% of new joiners, with 4.89 lakh enrolments in this group

Net payroll additions for the 18–25 age group rose to 7.58 lakh, a 13.6% monthly increase

Re-joiners who returned to EPFO after job changes totalled 15.77 lakh

According to provisional payroll data from the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) added 19.14 lakh members in April 2025. This marked a significant 31.31% increase compared to March 2025, signalling strong momentum in formal employment growth. On a year-on-year basis, net payroll additions were up 1.17% over April 2024, suggesting expanding job opportunities and growing awareness of employee benefits, supported by the EPFO’s continued outreach efforts.

Of the total additions, around 8.49 lakh were new subscribers, which was an increase of 12.49% over March. The ministry noted that this rise was driven by expanding employment avenues, increased awareness about benefits, and effective EPFO outreach.

A striking trend in the data is the continued dominance of young job seekers. The 18–25 age group accounted for 4.89 lakh new enrolments in April, 57.67% of the total new subscribers. This age group also recorded a 10.05% month-on-month increase. Net payroll additions in this segment stood at 7.58 lakh, up 13.6% from March. The ministry attributed this pattern to the ongoing trend of young individuals entering the organised workforce, mostly first-time job seekers.

In another positive indicator, 15.77 lakh members rejoined EPFO in April after switching jobs—an increase of 19.19% from March and 8.56% from April last year. These individuals chose to transfer their existing provident fund accounts instead of making final settlements, helping them maintain long-term financial security and continuous social security coverage.

Female participation also rose significantly. About 2.45 lakh new female subscribers joined in April, up 17.63% from March. Net payroll additions for women stood at 3.95 lakh, reflecting a 35.24% month-on-month increase. The ministry observed that this growth points towards a gradual shift to a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

A state-wise analysis showed that the top five states and Union Territories contributed around 60.10% of the total net payroll additions, with about 11.50 lakh additions. Maharashtra led the tally, contributing 21.12% of net additions for the month. Other key contributors included Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Telangana, all of which accounted for over 5% of the total net payroll each.

Source: Economic Times

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