Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries: EPF Reimbursement
100% EPF reimbursement · up to ₹1,800/employee/month · mega industries Gujarat
Mega manufacturing units in Gujarat's thrust sectors can get full reimbursement of their employer EPF contributions for newly hired employees who had no prior PF account. This reduces the HR cost of hiring fresh talent for large-scale projects. Apply through the Investor Facilitation Portal at ifp.gujarat.gov.in.
About This Scheme
Mega manufacturing units in Gujarat's thrust sectors can get full reimbursement of their employer EPF contributions for newly hired employees who had no prior PF account. This reduces the HR cost of hiring fresh talent for large-scale projects. Apply through the Investor Facilitation Portal at ifp.gujarat.gov.in.
Full official description
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries" is an umbrella scheme launched by the Industries and Mines Department, Gujarat. It aims to empower the state's dynamic mega-industry sector, which significantly contributes to employment, GDP, and exports. Effective from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2032, this initiative supports growth, investments, and the vision of "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat" and "Aatmanirbhar Bharat." The component "EPF Reimbursement" offers financial support to eligible Mega Industrial Units in Gujarat by reimbursing the employer's contribution to the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) for new employees.
Benefits
- 100% reimbursement of the employer's statutory EPF contribution for eligible new employees
- Reimbursement capped at 12% of basic salary + DA, or ₹1,800 per month per employee (whichever is lower)
💡 Why Startups Should Care
For mega industries hiring at scale, EPF reimbursement across hundreds or thousands of employees adds up to a significant recurring saving — effectively lowering your total wage cost as you build out a large workforce in Gujarat.
Who Can Apply (Eligibility)
- Must be a manufacturing unit in one of Gujarat's defined thrust sectors
- Minimum investment of ₹2,500 crore in plant and machinery
- Must provide direct employment to at least 2,500 people
- Only new employees who did NOT have a Universal Account Number (UAN) before joining are eligible
- Applies only to incremental employee count added after the expansion/new setup
- Units that already received EPF reimbursement under any other central or state scheme are not eligible for that overlapping period
Exclusions
- Units that have already availed EPF reimbursement under any other central/state scheme are not eligible for that period
How to Apply
- Visit ifp.gujarat.gov.in/DIGIGOV/ and register as a new investor.
- Log in and select the Mega Industries EPF Reimbursement component.
- Fill in employee and EPF contribution details.
- Upload Provisional/Final Eligibility Certificate and proof of new UAN accounts for employees.
- Submit for annual reimbursement after EPF payment verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries"?
The "Aatmanirbhar Gujarat Scheme for Assistance to Mega Industries" is a state initiative designed to support and strengthen the Mega Industry sector in Gujarat. It aims to enhance growth, encourage investments, and contribute to the vision of self-reliant Gujarat and India.
When is the scheme operative?
The scheme is operative from October 5, 2022, to October 4, 2032, covering a period of 10 years.
What are the objectives of the scheme?
The scheme aims to boost Mega Industry growth, enhance the industrial ecosystem, encourage investments, and contribute to Gujarat's and India's self-reliance vision.
Who is eligible to benefit from the scheme?
Mega Industries established and operating within Gujarat are eligible to benefit from the scheme, as per the criteria defined in the policy framework.
What is the "EPF Reimbursement" component?
The "EPF Reimbursement" component reimburses the employer's contribution to the EPF for new employees working in Gujarat, provided the unit meets the eligibility criteria.
How long can the reimbursement be claimed?
Reimbursement can be claimed for a maximum period of 10 years from the date of commencement of commercial production.
What is the ceiling on the reimbursement amount per employee?
The ceiling for the reimbursement is 12% of the employee's basic salary plus applicable Dearness Allowance (DA) or [?]1800/- per month, whichever is lower.
Can employers claim reimbursement for existing employees?
Employers cannot claim reimbursement for existing employees. The scheme applies only to new employees who did not have a Universal Account Number (UAN) before joining the unit.
How often is the reimbursement provided?
The reimbursement is provided on a quarterly basis, based on the EPF payment receipts submitted by the employer.
How is a new employee defined under the scheme?
A new employee is someone who did not have a UAN before joining the eligible Mega industrial unit.
Can employers claim reimbursement if they have already received EPF assistance under another scheme?
Employers cannot claim reimbursement under this scheme if they have already received EPF reimbursement under any central or state government scheme for the same period.
Is there a limit to the number of employees for whom reimbursement can be claimed?
Yes, reimbursement can only be claimed for the incremental employees hired beyond the pre-expansion employee count.
Can employers claim reimbursement for part-time or temporary employees?
No, the scheme applies only to full-time employees who meet the new employee criteria.
What happens if a new employee leaves the company?
If a new employee leaves the company, the employer will no longer be eligible for reimbursement for that individual, but the scheme may continue for other new employees.
Is there a minimum period for which employees must work to be eligible for reimbursement?
There is no specific minimum period mentioned, but the employee must be employed during the period for which reimbursement is claimed.
Do employers need to provide UAN details for employees?
Yes, UAN details for each new employee must be provided in order to claim the reimbursement.
How is the reimbursement amount calculated?
The reimbursement amount is based on the employer's contribution to the EPF, subject to the ceiling of 12% of the employee's basic salary plus DA or INR 1800, whichever is lower.
Ready to apply?
Visit the official government portal to apply for this scheme.
Apply on myScheme.gov.inDocuments Required
- Provisional Eligibility Certificate (if applicable)
- Final Eligibility Certificate (if obtained)
- Proof of new UAN account for each employee