Provident Fund Question for OCI/PIO holders (New Delhi)

Hi All,

I'm a US Citizen, PIO-holder who has been working in India for the past year. I've been paying into the provident fund during that time as I'm currently being considered an International Worker and subject to the 24% of salary mandatory contribution that I won't have access to until I'm 58.

Are there any PIO/OCI holders out there who are working who aren't contributing to the EPF? The PIO is supposed to confer the same economic rights that NRI's enjoy, and they aren't required to contribute, so it seems to me that I shouldn't have to as well. I would really appreciate it if any others in a similar situation could share their experience.