Cabinet Approves Higher EPFO Wage Ceiling of Rs. 25,000, Expanding Mandatory Coverage

The Union Cabinet approved an increase in the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) wage ceiling for mandatory coverage from Rs. 15,000 to Rs. 25,000 per month, effective 17 September 2026. Announced by the Union Minister of Labour & Employment, the decision aims to expand statutory social security protection, provident fund savings, pension, and insurance coverage to employees drawing wages between Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 25,000 per month. The government stated that the wage ceiling had remained unchanged since September 2014. The estimated annual government outgo for the enhancement is approximately Rs. 11,339 crore, with a total estimated expenditure of about Rs. 56,696 crore over a five-year period.