Haryana hikes employment subsidy, offers EPF reimbursement to push local hiring

Gurgaon: In an employment push, Haryana has unveiled a generous package of financial incentives aimed at boosting local hiring, attracting large investments and lowering operational costs for industries.The govt says the new industrial policy was designed to directly encourage companies to recruit local youth through the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN) portal while strengthening the state’s appeal as a competitive industrial destination.Officials say the multi-layered incentive structure creates a “win-win” framework — ranging from employment generation subsidy (EGS) to 100% reimbursement for hiring through HKRN to help industries planning to relocate.At the heart of the reform is a sweeping enhancement of the EGS. Industries can now claim up to Rs 1 lakh per employee per year for 10 years, a substantial incentive that officials believe will drive large-scale recruitment. The support is even higher for priority groups — women, Scheduled Castes, Divyangs, Agniveers and ex-servicemen — for whom companies can receive Rs 1.2 lakh per employee annually, reinforcing the state’s focus on inclusive growth.A major highlight of the policy is the unprecedented support for companies hiring through HKRN. “Industries that recruit youth registered on the portal will receive 100% reimbursement of both employer and employee EPF contributions for five years,” said an official of the industry department. He described this as the most cost-effective hiring channel now available to industries, making local recruitment financially attractive while creating structured employment pathways for Haryana’s youth.To further ease business operations, the policy offers net SGST reimbursement ranging from 30% to 70%, depending on the scale of the project. The benefits extend for seven years to large units, 10 years to mega units, and up to 12 years for ultra mega projects under special packages. Capital subsidies have also been raised significantly — 5% to 20% for large units, and up to 30% for mega and ultra mega projects located in prime or focus areas.In addition, Haryana is offering expansive support for industries planning to relocate. Domestic firms shifting operations to the state can claim Rs 5 crore in assistance, while relocating international units are eligible for Rs 10 crore, a measure designed to bring global manufacturing and investment into the state’s ecosystem.The policy also extends incentives for research and development, signalling a push towards innovation-led growth and encouraging industries to establish advanced facilities within Haryana.For youth, it promises enhanced job avenues, especially for those registered on HKRN, along with targeted opportunities for women, SCs, Divyangs, Agniveers and ex-servicemen. For industries, the policy cuts wage costs, removes the EPF burden for HKRN hires for five years, reduces tax outflow and eases the financial pressure of expansion or relocation. For Haryana’s economy, it strengthens the manufacturing and services base, boosts formal job creation and positions the state more competitively for future investments.The official claims that, with a blend of employment subsidies, tax benefits, relocation assistance and R&D incentives, Haryana’s new industrial policy aims to create a robust, inclusive and investment-friendly environment — one that the govt believes will generate long-term employment and drive sustained economic growth.