New Delhi, Sept. 15 -- Employees could see temporary relief from provident fund deductions if India faces a major crisis, under a provision in the new Employees' Provident Fund Scheme, 2026. The provision allows the Central Government to defer or reduce the employee's contribution, the employer's contribution, or both, for up to three months at a time.

However, this is not an option employees can exercise on their own. The relief would require a government order and can be applied to the whole country or a particular part of it.

For most employees, EPF is a long-term retirement savings vehicle. Therefore, while a temporary reduction could provide additional cash in hand during a crisis, it could also mean a smaller amount accumulating i...