India
BMS to Convene in Vadodara to Push for Higher Pension, EPF Ceiling and Gig Worker Rights
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) national office‑bearers will meet in Vadodara on 27 and 28 November to discuss pending workers’ demands, including issues related to gig workers, according to PTI. The meeting will also determine the union’s future course of action.
BMS, an affiliate of the RSS, has called for several changes: raising the minimum pension to ₹7,500, increasing the Employees’ State Insurance ceiling from ₹21,000 to ₹42,000, and doubling the Employee Provident Fund ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000. The Union Cabinet approved a rise in the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month on 17 September. Union Minister of Labour and Employment and for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya said the new ceiling would make more employees eligible for mandatory coverage, expanding formal social security.
BMS national vice‑president Pawan Kumar told PTI that the union expects the government to meet its remaining demands promptly and thanked it for raising the EPF wage ceiling. He added that the upcoming meeting will address gig‑worker issues such as shelters and insurance.
The union staged nationwide protests on 17 August to press the Centre to resolve long‑pending labour problems, including higher pensions, increased wage ceilings and benefits for scheme‑based workers.
Frequently asked questions
When and where will BMS national office‑bearers meet?
They will convene in Vadodara on 27 and 28 November.
What changes has BMS requested for pensions and wage ceilings?
BMS wants to raise the minimum pension to ₹7,500, increase the Employees’ State Insurance ceiling from ₹21,000 to ₹42,000, and double the Employee Provident Fund ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹30,000.
What recent government action has increased the EPF wage ceiling?
The Union Cabinet approved raising the wage ceiling for mandatory EPFO coverage from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month on 17 September.