No word on hike in minimum pension, allege trade unions

Published 2 July 2026 · india

The Union Labour Ministry published on June 29 and 30 the Rules for the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

The Union Labour Ministry published on June 29 and 30 the Rules for the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 2026, the Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS), 2026, and the Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance (EDLI) Scheme, 2026, replacing the old Rules of 1952, for the schemes where millions of workers are subscribers. The new Rules were required after the implementation of the Code on Social Security in November, 2025. The Central Board of Trustees (CBT) had approved the draft Rules in it 239th meeting on March 2, 2026. The Ministry had told the CBT that the notification of the new schemes will provide a legally sound framework under the Code and will enable incorporation of previously approved reforms. The government said it will facilitate alignment of scheme provisions with the Code and remove ambiguity during the transition phase along with ensuring continuity and stability in administration of social security benefits.

Trade unions, however, said the notification does not reflect the demands of subscribers such as increase in minimum pension and clarity in providing higher pension for the applicants. To align the application of the EPF Scheme with the Code, the Rule was amended so that it will be applicable to every establishment, to which the Chapter III of the Code applies, and to every establishment belonging to or under the control of the Central or a State government. The new Rule has also redefined exempted establishments and “international worker”. In the EPS Rules, the current provision was that where the pay of the member exceeded ₹15,000 per month, the current wage ceiling limit for pension, the contribution for pension payable by the employer and the Central government will be limited to the amount payable on the employee’s pay of ₹15,000 only.

In the new Rule, it has been amended as: “Provided that where the wage of the member exceeds the wage ceiling notified by the Central Government, the contribution payable by the employer and the Central Government shall be limited to the amount payable on wages up to such wage ceiling,” giving an indication that the government may revise the wage ceiling for pension, a demand of the trade unions. There is a minor amendment in the case of disbursing agencies of pension, which was earlier limited to agencies such as post offices, nationalised banks, treasuries or scheduled commercial banks including regional rural banks or co-operative banks. The government anticipates that in future, new types of disbursing agencies may come. In the EDLI Scheme Rules, the Centre has added definition of ‘insurance service provider’, ‘insurance policy’, ‘commissioner’, ‘member’ and ‘nominee’.