Budget 2026: Labour Union seeks EPF & ESI ceiling hike, bonus, gratuity, and pension reforms

The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) submitted a detailed memorandum requesting the earliest possible convening of the Indian Labour Conference and revision of key statutory limits.

The BMS submitted a detailed memorandum requesting the earliest possible convening of the Indian Labour Conference and revision of key statutory limits. Among the demands were:

• Increase in EPF and ESI ceiling limits

• Revision of bonus calculation limits

• Enhancement of gratuity entitlement from 15 days to 30 days

• Substantial increase in the minimum pension from ₹1,000

• Higher honorarium and incentives for all scheme workers

The delegation also highlighted the challenges faced by contract workers across private, public, and government sectors, citing cases from IOCL, Air India Express, Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, private telecom, and state electricity boards.

The union emphasized strict implementation of Clause 25(2)(5)(A) of the Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970, which mandates that contract workers receive wages equivalent to permanent employees. The BMS urged stringent action against contractors and agencies that violate the rules or exploit workers.

The delegation included Dy General Secretary Sri Surendra Kumar Pandey, Organising Secretary B Surendran, National Secretaries Sri Girish Arya and Sri Ramnath Ganeshe, and Zonal Organising Secretary Sri Anupam.