India Payroll Updates: ELI Scheme, SPREE 2025, and PAN-Aadhaar Relief

In a landmark move to catalyze employment and formal workforce expansion, the Government of India has introduced the Employment Linked Incentive (ELI) Scheme, which was announced in Budget 2024–25 and approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2025. With an ambitious target of generating over 35 million jobs in just two years and a financial outlay of INR 1 trillion, the scheme offers dual incentives, supporting both first-time employees and employers registered with Employees' Provident Fund Organization (EPFO).