If one is recruiting a person as trainee and paying him stipend for temporary period of 6 months, is PF and ESIC applicable for him. There is no contract or so. Just a appointment letter is issued. Can one pay an amount, say Rs. 10,000 without any deductions (like PF,ESIC & PT etc.), as he is not on payroll. What are the requirements for paying stipend? Is an agreement or contract required?