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The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) reported on Monday that net membership surged by 1.44 million in March, reflecting increased employment in the country’s organised sector during the month.

According to the data, 747,000 new members enrolled in March, with the 18–25 age group constituting a dominant 56.83 percent. This demographic trend indicates that the majority of individuals joining the organised workforce are youth, primarily first-time job seekers, according to an official statement.

A gender-wise analysis of the payroll data reveals that out of the 747,000 new members, approximately 200,000 are women. Additionally, the net female member addition for the month stood at around 290,000. This increase in female membership signifies a broader shift towards a more inclusive and diverse workforce, the statement added.

The payroll data also highlighted that approximately 1.18 million members exited and subsequently rejoined EPFO. These members switched jobs and rejoined establishments covered under EPFO, opting to transfer their accumulations instead of applying for a final settlement. This decision helps safeguard long-term financial well-being and extends social security protection.

Industry-wise data for March showed growth in membership in sectors such as manufacturing, marketing services, computer usage, restaurants, chartered services, fish processing, non-vegetarian food preservation, and beedi making.