WAGE CEILING INCREASE
DA hike: Diwali bonanza for UP govt employees, 63% raise announced; revised rates effective from July 1
The revised allowance will be reflected in the November salary, while the arrears for the preceding four months will be deposited separately into their provident fund accounts. The announcement comes ahead of Diwali, with the revised allowance set to benefit a large section of the state's workforce.
EPFO total contributions expected to rise by 25% in 2027-28 due to wage ceiling increase
EPFO is forecasting a major increase in its total contributions for the financial year 2027-28. The wage ceiling has been raised to ₹25,000 from ₹15,000, effective September 17. Total contributions for the current year are estimated to exceed previous budgeted amounts significantly. Additionally, the board will consider investing up to 3% in alternative investment funds.
EPFO reveals conditions to join EPF, EPS and EDLI
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has raised the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling to enhance participation. Employees earning between Rs 15,000 and Rs 25,000 will now be required to join the schemes. Those earning less than Rs 15,000 can also opt into the schemes voluntarily. This increase in ceiling may lead to higher PF contributions and, consequently, greater retirement savings.
Centre issues advisory to states to boost fodder production, livestock infra under VB-G RAM G
The Centre has issued an advisory to states and Union territories to improve fodder security and livestock infrastructure. This advisory promotes convergence under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Act, 2025. It identifies 22 permissible works supporting fodder cultivation, livestock shelters, and veterinary health facilities. States are encouraged to increase expenditure on these works while aligning with local development priorities.
Make urban legend real: Our cities must become far more business-friendly for India to achieve high per-capita income
India's urban population has grown slowly, with a significant portion living in small rural habitations. The country requires substantial rural-urban migration to boost urbanisation and economic productivity. Urban centres must create favorable business environments to attract new and expanding enterprises. State governments should implement measures to alleviate urban land scarcity and improve labor regulations.
Has EPFO extended ECR filing deadline from October 31, 2026? What employers need to know
Employers must file the Electronic Challan-cum-Return for September 2026 by October 31, 2026. The EPFO extended the previous deadline to accommodate changes in contribution calculations due to the new wage ceiling. For the period of September 1 to 16, contributions are calculated at Rs 15,000, while from September 17 onward, they will be at Rs 25,000.
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DA hike for central government employees: Can government announce dearness allowance increase on Wednesday?
DA news: More than 55 lakh central government employees are anticipating a dearness allowance hike announcement soon. The hike is expected to be announced following the cabinet meeting scheduled for October 28, 2026. If approved, the DA rate may increase from 60% to an estimated 63%, resulting in salary increases. Employees are hopeful for the announcement after delayed expectations in previous meetings this month.
EPS-95 higher pension: Pensioners’ body appeals to President as retirees struggle to get higher pension
The National Confederation of Pensioners’ Associations has requested intervention from President Droupadi Murmu regarding higher EPS pension issues. They demand the withdrawal of a problematic EPFO circular that affects eligibility for pensions based on internal trust rules. In addition, they seek to halt unnecessary litigation and ensure uniform treatment for all retirees. The NCPA calls for waiving punitive interest related to administrative delays on pension claims.
EPS pension hike: Can EPFO increase minimum monthly pension from Rs 1,000 at its proposed November 19 meeting?
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation may discuss increasing the minimum monthly pension under the Employees' Pension Scheme. A proposal to raise the pension from Rs 1,000 is anticipated during the next Central Board of Trustees meeting.
DA hike announcement: Do central government employees need to wait till next cabinet meeting?
DA hike news: As of now, the central government has not disclosed the dearness allowance hike for July 2026, leaving employees in suspense. Hopes were raised during recent cabinet discussions, yet no announcement was made. The next potential reveal is scheduled for October 28, 2026. Workers are eagerly awaiting this increase, which will directly affect their salaries and ongoing allowances, with arrears also considered for the July-December 2026 timeframe.
No additional EPS contribution by government on higher wage ceiling of Rs 25,000; know what it means for your pension
EPS pension: In a recent notification, the central government confirmed that the Employees' Pension Scheme contribution will remain at the current cap of Rs 15,000, despite announcing a new wage ceiling of Rs 25,000. This choice reflects findings from earlier actuarial evaluations pointing to a potential funding shortfall. Additionally, the government has promised supplementary budgetary support to ensure current pension payouts, although sustainability concerns have been voiced in Parliament.
Salary up to Rs 25,000: EPFO reveals how you can enrol for EPF, EPS and ELDI schemes
The government recently raised the wage ceiling for the Employees' Provident Fund to Rs 25,000, allowing a broader range of workers to access the EPF, EPS, and EDLI schemes. This increase means that employees earning up to the new limit can secure essential social security benefits.
Annual bonus of Rs 6,908 for central government employees: Who qualifies and who will be left out
Annual bonus for central government employees On October 15, 2026, the Ministry of Finance introduced a non-Productivity Linked Bonus for central government employees, providing Group 'C' and non-gazetted Group 'B' workers with a bonus equivalent to 30 days of their emoluments, totaling Rs 6,908. Casual laborers who fulfill certain conditions are equally entitled to this non-PLB payment, all amounts finalized by the nearest rupee based on the established calculations.
Railway employees to get Rs 17,591 annual bonus: But why other central government employees get just Rs 6,908
Indian Railway annual bonus: The central government has announced a Productivity Linked Bonus for non-gazetted Railway employees for FY 2025-26. Railway employees will receive a bonus calculated at 78 days' basic wages, amounting to Rs 17,951. In contrast, other central government employees receive a significantly lower bonus calculated at 30 days' wages. Various employee associations have demanded an increase in the bonus wage ceiling due to rising inflation.
Cabinet approves 78-day bonus worth Rs 2,009 crore for 11.4 lakh railway employees ahead of Diwali
The Union Cabinet has approved a 78-day productivity-linked bonus worth Rs 2,009.61 crore for 11.4 lakh railway employees, with a maximum payout of Rs 17,951 per eligible employee. The decision follows record freight loading and passenger traffic in 2025-26, while railway staff associations continue to seek a higher bonus ceiling.
EPFO extends ECR deadline to October 31, 2026: Employers to get 16 more days to file employees’ EPF, EPS and EDLI data
The EPFO has extended the September 2026 ECR filing deadline for employers from October 15 to October 31, following the increase in the PF wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. Employers must calculate contributions using the applicable wage ceilings. Meanwhile, eligible establishments can apply under the EPFO Amnesty Scheme 2026 for retrospective regularisation of exempt PF trusts by December 28, 2026.
Union Cabinet likely to take up productivity-linked bonus for railway employees on Wednesday
The Union Cabinet is likely set to take up a proposal on productivity-linked bonus for railway employees. Non-gazetted railway employees currently receive Rs 17,951, calculated using a wage ceiling of Rs 7,000 for 78 days. The move comes amid demands to raise the ceiling and increase the annual bonus payout.
DA hike for central government employees: AIDEF urges cabinet secretary, Finance Ministry to announce DA hike soon, increase in bonus ceiling
DA hike: Central government employees and pensioners are in eager anticipation of the upcoming announcement regarding the dearness allowance and relief hike. The All India Defence Employees’ Association is urging the government to speed up this declaration. They also propose a significant increase in the performance-linked bonus ceiling, from Rs 7,000 to Rs 21,000.
Has government released Rs 41,000 as annual bonus for Railway employees? Here’s the truth
A fake letter claiming a sanctioned Productivity Linked Bonus for railway workers has circulated on social media. The Railway Board has confirmed this letter is unauthorized and bears a forged signature. It has advised railway officials to verify bonus announcements through official channels. The annual bonus for railway employees is currently set at Rs 17,951, established since 2014-15.
‘Increase maximum EDLI benefit to Rs 10.50 lakh’: Why this BJP MP wants government to take immediate action
In a bid for better financial security, BJP MP Ajit Gopchade has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to enhance the Employees' Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) coverage. Citing the recent increase in the EPF wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 as a pivotal reason, Gopchade proposes that the minimum cover be elevated to Rs 10.50 lakh.
EPS pension eligibility: Is EPS membership mandatory for you if your wages are Rs 25,000+? Check status
The government has raised the wage limit for the Employees' Provident Fund from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 monthly. This adjustment mandates that employees earning under Rs 25,000 join the EPF and EPS schemes. Existing EPS members above this wage threshold will maintain their status, while new entrants won’t be obliged to enroll. This reform seeks to enhance social security benefits for workers and their families.
EPF wage ceiling hike: How it impacts employee & employer's contributions to EPF, EPS and take-home pay
While the higher ceiling does have an impact on immediate net cash take-home of the employee due to increased contribution, it will certainly support building of future corpus for retirement and higher pension by way of contribution to the provident fund and pension scheme.
Higher EPF wage ceiling expands social security for millions; but EPS legacy issues need to be fixed
The recent adjustment to the Employees' Provident Fund wage ceiling significantly widens eligibility for benefits, raising the contribution limit from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000. This revision aims to enhance social security, but it might pose complexities for pension contributions. Employees should verify the accuracy of their EPS records to prevent issues, as the swift rollout of the new ceiling could lead to unforeseen challenges.
Could October’s 2027 Social Security COLA look bigger on paper than the raise retirees actually see after Medicare costs?
On October 14, official September inflation figures will finalize the 2027 Social Security cost-of-living adjustment. Forecasts center on 3.5%. However, a projected $209.50 Medicare Part B premium threatens to consume much of that bump. Higher wage-indexed earnings thresholds and tax ceilings will also redefine terms for working retirees and high earners.
EPS pension: Basic pay above Rs 25,000? Why you may not qualify for EPS membership
The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation has introduced updated guidelines concerning EPS membership for workers. Employers are obligated to verify the wages and prior EPS membership status of new hires. Employees earning Rs 25,000 or less must be enrolled in EPS, while others have distinct criteria. Accurate deductions are vital for employers to avert complications in upcoming claims.
Central govt employees’ annual bonus: Can it be paid in first week of October? What experts say
Representatives of central government workers are demanding that the Productivity-Linked Bonus ceiling be lifted, asserting that the present threshold of Rs 7,000 is insufficient in light of increasing living expenses. Various groups are urging for a new ceiling of Rs 21,000 to be used for calculating bonuses. The government is expected to reveal its decisions on bonus allocations in early October, with protests anticipated over the current calculation approach.
EPF & EPS rules under new wage ceiling: Earning Rs 20,000 and not EPS member? Know how your employer’s PF contribution will change from October 2026
Employees earning up to Rs 25,000 will see changes in their EPF contributions due to mandatory EPS membership. Employer contributions will now be split between EPF and EPS according to the new rules.
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