The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has reported a net addition of 21.04 lakh members in July 2025, according to its latest provisional payroll data. The figures reflect a 5.55% year-on-year growth compared to July 2024, signaling stronger employment generation and greater awareness of social security benefits.
Youth Dominate New Enrollments
A significant 61.06% of new subscribers belong to the 18–25 age group, with 5.98 lakh first-time enrollees in this category during the month. Net payroll additions for this age group stood at 9.13 lakh, marking a 4.09% rise from July 2024. The trend underscores that most new entrants to the organised workforce are young job seekers.
Surge in Rejoining Members
EPFO data shows that 16.43 lakh members who had previously exited rejoined in July, reflecting a 12.12% growth compared to last year. These members chose to transfer their funds rather than withdraw them, thereby continuing their social security coverage.
Rising Female Participation
Female membership also recorded growth, with 2.80 lakh new female subscribers joining EPFO and a net addition of 4.42 lakh during the month. This represents a 0.17% year-on-year increase, indicating progress toward a more inclusive workforce.
State and Industry Trends
Maharashtra led state-wise contributions, accounting for 20.47% of net payroll additions. Along with Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Haryana, Delhi, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh, these states together contributed over 60% of total net additions.
Industry-wise, notable payroll growth was observed in sectors such as iron ore mining, universities, beedi making, garment manufacturing, hospitals, trading establishments, travel agencies, and stone quarries. Around 40.21% of the total net additions came from “expert services,” including manpower suppliers and contractors.
EPFO emphasized that the payroll data is provisional and subject to monthly updates as establishments file or revise Electronic Challan-cum-Returns (ECRs) and update member records. Since April 2018, EPFO has been publishing payroll data covering the period from September 2017 onward, tracking first-time Aadhaar-verified UAN enrollments, exits, and re-entries.
