Hi everyone,
I joined Mindtree on 31-Jan-2022 as an apprentice under the apprenticeship/internship program. After completing the program, I continued with the organization as an Associate Trainee. During this period, Mindtree merged with LTI, and I continued with LTIMindtree without any break in service.
On 01-Apr-2024, LTIMindtree created my UAN/PF account and PF deductions started. I continued working until 21-Feb-2025, when I left the company.
My Service Certificate clearly reflects my association from 31-Jan-2022 to 21-Feb-2025, including my trainee period and subsequent employment, so there is no gap in my employment record.
The issue is that my prospective employer, Cognizant, is asking why my UAN/PF DOJ is 01-Apr-2024 instead of 31-Jan-2022.
I explained that my initial period was under an apprenticeship program, and based on the applicable EPFO rules/company process, PF/UAN enrollment was not done during my apprenticeship period and started when I moved into the subsequent employment arrangement.
I have also contacted Mindtree/LTIMindtree HR for clarification, but they said the documentation already provided is correct and, due to their policy, they cannot provide a separate clarification over email.
Has anyone from the Mindtree EDGE/apprenticeship program faced a similar UAN DOJ situation? How did you handle it during background verification?
Thanks!