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๐Ÿ›๏ธ Employeesโ€™ Enrolment Campaign 2025 (EPFO Amnesty Scheme): Big Relief for Employers from 1st November 2025

๐Ÿ“… Notification: G.S.R. 749(E) dated 10th October 2025
๐Ÿ“œ Issued By: Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India
๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ Effective Period: From 1st November 2025 to 30th April 2026
โš–๏ธ Reference: Employeesโ€™ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

๐ŸŒŸ Introduction

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has introduced a special amnesty window titled โ€œEmployeesโ€™ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 (EEC 2025)โ€ under the Employeesโ€™ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952.

This scheme provides employers โ€” whether covered or uncovered under EPFO โ€” a one-time opportunity to voluntarily enrol un-enrolled employees and regularise pending PF compliance for the period 1st July 2017 to 31st October 2025, with nominal damages of โ‚น100 and a waiver of the employeeโ€™s share of contribution.

๐Ÿ“˜ Legal Reference

The campaign is notified through G.S.R. 749(E) dated 10 October 2025, by inserting Paragraph 82B in the EPF Scheme, 1952.
It is issued under the powers conferred by Section 5 read with Section 7(1) of the EPF & MP Act, 1952.

๐Ÿ”น Key Highlights of Employeesโ€™ Enrolment Campaign 2025

Particulars

Details

Scheme Name

Employeesโ€™ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 (EEC 2025)

Effective Dates

1 November 2025 to 30 April 2026

Coverage Period

1 July 2017 to 31 October 2025

Eligible Employers

All establishments, covered or not covered under EPFO

Eligible Employees

Employees who joined between 1 July 2017 โ€“ 31 October 2025, are alive and employed on the date of declaration

Damages

โ‚น100 only (one-time)

Employee Share

Waived if not deducted earlier

Interest u/s 7Q

Payable on employer share

Admin Charges

Payable

Declaration Portal

Online via EPFO Portal

Linked Scheme

Pradhan Mantri-Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PMVBRY)

๐Ÿงพ Step-by-Step Compliance Process

1๏ธโƒฃ Create UAN using UMANG App

Employers must ensure Face Authentication UAN creation for each eligible employee through the UMANG Application before declaration.

2๏ธโƒฃ Generate and File ECR

Prepare an Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) for the declared employees, covering:


  • Employerโ€™s share contribution

  • Interest under Section 7Q

  • Applicable administrative charges

  • โ‚น100 damages (one-time only)

3๏ธโƒฃ Make Online Declaration

Submit the declaration under Employeesโ€™ Enrolment Campaign, 2025 via the EPFO portal, linking it with the relevant TRRN/ECR.

4๏ธโƒฃ Continue Regular Compliance

From the month of declaration, the employer must continue regular monthly compliance under EPF, EPS, and EDLI schemes.

๐Ÿ’ธ Financial Benefits Under the Scheme

Component

Payable by Employer

Remarks

Employer Share

โœ… Yes

For entire past period from date of joining

Employee Share

โŒ Waived

If not deducted earlier

Interest (u/s 7Q)

โœ… Yes

On employerโ€™s share only

Admin Charges

โœ… Yes

As applicable

Damages

๐Ÿ’ฐ โ‚น100 only

One-time lump sum for all three schemes

โš™๏ธ Damages Table โ€“ New Table-2 under Para 32-A

Period of Default

Rate of Damages

1 July 2017 โ€“ 31 October 2025

โ‚น100 (one-time, lump sum)

โš ๏ธ Important Conditions


  • Multiple declarations are not allowed.

  • All eligible employees must be declared in a single submission.

  • Declarations made with false information or suppression of facts will be void ab initio and attract penal action.

  • Cases concluded under Section 7A / Para 26B / Para 8 before the scheme date will not be reopened.

  • No suo-motu action by EPFO against employers who submit declaration and undertaking confirming no dues.
  • Period before 1 July 2017 is not covered under this campaign.

๐Ÿค Linkage with Pradhan Mantri-Viksit Bharat Rojgar Yojana (PMVBRY)

โœ… Eligibility for PMVBRY Benefits

Employers who register under EEC 2025 or declare additional employees will also be eligible for PMVBRY benefits, subject to scheme conditions.

Part

Benefit Description

Part A

Applies to new employees joining after declaration or inquiry conclusion.

Part B

Applies after six months from declaration or inquiry conclusion โ€” valid up to 31 July 2027. Additional employees declared under EEC 2025 will be added to the employerโ€™s baseline count.

Adjustment Clause

If PMVBRY benefits already availed, future dues will be adjusted or recovered accordingly.

๐Ÿงฉ Impact for Employers

โœ… Advantages


  • Legal regularisation of past PF omissions since 2017.

  • Waiver of employee share if not deducted.

  • Fixed โ‚น100 damage โ€” huge saving compared to normal rates.

  • No penalty or prosecution if declared truthfully.

  • Eligibility to claim PMVBRY incentives for new hires.

โš ๏ธ Precautions


  • Ensure correct employment data before declaration.

  • Generate valid UANs through Face Authentication (UMANG).

  • Maintain proof of wages, attendance, and employment continuity.

๐Ÿ“… Validity Period

Commences: 1 November 2025
Ends: 30 April 2026

Employers should utilise this six-month golden
opportunity to cleanse old PF records and align with EPFO compliance
before routine inspections resume.

ย 

๐Ÿฅ Updated ESIC SST Tie-Up Hospitals in Maharashtra (Mumbai Region) โ€“ September 2025 Notification

The Employeesโ€™ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has released the updated list of Super Speciality Treatment (SST) tie-up hospitals in Maharashtra through its Regional Office Mumbai, effective 01 September 2025.

This ESIC SST tie-up list for Maharashtra ensures that insured employees and their dependents can avail cashless treatment facilities in empanelled super speciality hospitals across the state, including Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and other cities.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Highlights โ€“ ESIC Maharashtra Hospital Update

  • ๐Ÿ“… Effective Date: 01.09.2025
  • ๐Ÿข Issued by: Regional Office Mumbai (ESIC Maharashtra Region)
  • ๐Ÿฅ Coverage: ESIC empanelled hospitals for super speciality treatment (SST)
  • ๐Ÿ’ณ Facility: Cashless treatment for ESIC insured employees and dependents
  • ๐Ÿ“ Cities Covered: Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Nashik, Aurangabad, and others

๐Ÿ“Œ Why the Updated ESIC Hospital List is Important

The updated ESIC SST hospitals list in Maharashtra 2025 provides employees with access to quality medical care. This list is critical for:

  1. โœ… Employees & Dependents โ€“ Easy access to ESIC empanelled hospitals for cardiology, nephrology, oncology, neurosurgery, gastroenterology and other super specialities.
  2. โœ… Employers & HR Managers โ€“ Ensures correct information is shared with employees to avoid treatment delays.
  3. โœ… Compliance Officers โ€“ Helps meet ESIC statutory obligations under the ESI Act, 1948.

๐Ÿฅ ESIC Tie-Up Hospitals in Maharashtra (Representative List โ€“ Sept 2025)

๐Ÿ“ City / Region

๐Ÿฅ ESIC Empanelled Hospital

๐ŸŒ Super Speciality Services

๐Ÿ’ณ Facility

Mumbai

ESIC Tie-Up Hospital, Andheri

Cardiology, Orthopaedics

Cashless

Pune

Super Speciality Hospital, Shivajinagar

Oncology, Nephrology

Cashless

Nagpur

ESIC SST Medical Institute

Neurosurgery, Urology

Cashless

Nashik

ESIC Hospital, Panchavati

Gastroenterology, Nephrology

Cashless

Aurangabad

ESIC Empanelled City Hospital

Multi-Speciality

Cashless

๐Ÿ‘‰ Note: This is an indicative table. For the complete official list of ESIC SST tie-up hospitals in Maharashtra (as on 01.09.2025), refer to the official notification issued by RO Mumbai.

๐Ÿ‘ท Guidance for Employees & Employers

  • Employees should carry their ESIC Pehchan Card / e-Pehchan Card while availing treatment.
  • Employers must circulate the updated ESIC SST hospital list Maharashtra 2025 among employees.
  • HR/Admin should display the list on company notice boards for worker awareness.
  • For emergency admissions, contact the ESIC Regional Office Mumbai helpdesk or the ESIC desk at the hospital.

โš–๏ธ Compliance Note

Providing access to ESIC super speciality treatment hospitals is a statutory requirement under the ESI Act, 1948. Employers who fail to inform employees about ESIC tie-up hospitals may face compliance gaps during inspections.

๐Ÿ“ Conclusion

The updated ESIC tie-up hospital list in Maharashtra (effective September 2025) ensures insured employees and their families have access to cashless super speciality healthcare across the state.

This update strengthens ESICโ€™s role in providing affordable healthcare and compliance-driven benefits to the workforce.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Employers, HR managers, and compliance officers must ensure they download and circulate the official ESIC Maharashtra hospital list 2025 (RO Mumbai update) to employees without delay.

๐Ÿ“ฐ Madhya Pradesh Minimum Wages Notification (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026) | Latest VDA Revision ๐Ÿ’ฐ๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ

The Government of Madhya Pradesh has released a notification on 01 October 2025 revising the Minimum Wages & Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for employees working in 67 scheduled employments under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

This revision is effective from 01 October 2025 to 31 March 2026. The change is due to a 1-point increase in the All India Consumer Price Index (AICPI), resulting in a โ‚น25/- monthly hike in VDA across all worker categories.

๐Ÿ”น Applicability ๐Ÿข

โœ”๏ธ Covers 67 Scheduled Employments in Madhya Pradesh
โœ”๏ธ Applies to Unskilled, Semi-Skilled, Skilled & Highly Skilled workers
โœ”๏ธ Enforceable under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948
โœ”๏ธ Employers must ensure no worker is paid below these rates

๐Ÿ“Š Revised Minimum Wages in Madhya Pradesh (01 Oct 2025 โ€“ 31 Mar 2026)

๐Ÿง‘โ€๐Ÿญ Worker Category

๐Ÿ“‘ Basic Wages (โ‚น/Month)

๐Ÿ“‘ Basic (โ‚น/Day)

๐Ÿ’ธ VDA (โ‚น/Month)

๐Ÿ’ธ VDA (โ‚น/Day)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Total Wages (โ‚น/Month)

๐Ÿ’ฐ Total (โ‚น/Day)

โœ… Rounded Daily Rate

๐Ÿ‘ท Unskilled

9,575

368.27

2,575

99.04

12,150

467.31

โ‚น467

๐Ÿ‘ทโ€โ™‚๏ธ Semi-Skilled

10,571

406.58

2,575

99.04

13,146

505.62

โ‚น506

๐Ÿ—๏ธ Skilled

12,294

472.85

2,575

99.04

14,869

571.89

โ‚น572

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ Highly Skilled

13,919

535.35

2,575

99.04

16,494

634.39

โ‚น634

๐Ÿ”น Key Highlights ๐Ÿ“Œ

โœจ Uniform VDA Increase โ€“ โ‚น25/- added to all worker categories
โœจ Unskilled Workers โ€“ โ‚น12,150/month or โ‚น467/day
โœจ Highly Skilled Workers โ€“ โ‚น16,494/month or โ‚น634/day
โœจ Strict Enforcement โ€“ Any payment below these wages = violation of Minimum Wages Act, 1948 ๐Ÿšจ

๐Ÿ”น Compliance Advice for Employers ๐Ÿญ

โšก Update payroll systems from October 2025 onward
โšก Revise wage registers, payslips & statutory filings
โšก Communicate changes to contractors/vendors to avoid gaps
โšก Maintain compliance to prevent penalties & inspections

โœ… Conclusion ๐ŸŽฏ

The Madhya Pradesh Governmentโ€™s October 2025 wage revision brings only a nominal hike of โ‚น25/- in VDA, but ensures inflation-linked protection for workers. Employers must strictly implement revised wages for Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026 to stay compliant.

๐Ÿ“ข EPFO Circular 2025: Mandatory Display of Form 5A Extract at Establishments

Introduction

The Employeesโ€™ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has issued a new compliance directive dated 6th October 2025 under the Employeesโ€™ Provident Funds Scheme, 1952. As per this notification, all employers covered under the EPF Act must ensure prominent display of the extract of Form 5A at their establishments. This move is aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and employee awareness.

This update is highly relevant for HR managers, compliance officers, and business owners looking for latest EPFO compliance requirements 2025.

๐Ÿ”‘ What is Form 5A in EPFO?

Form 5A is an Employerโ€™s Registration Form under the EPF Act. It captures essential details about an establishment, including:

  • Establishmentโ€™s EPF Code Number
  • Registered Name of the Employer
  • Date of Coverage under the EPF Act
  • Primary and branch office addresses
  • Regional PF Office jurisdiction

The Form 5A extract serves as a ready reference for both employees and EPFO inspectors during compliance verification.

๐Ÿ“œ Key Highlights of the Circular

1. Where to Display?

Employers must prominently display the extract of Form 5A:

  • At the entrance of the establishment, OR
  • On the official website and mobile application of the establishment.

2. Mandatory Details to Include

The following fields must be visible:
1๏ธโƒฃ EPF Code
2๏ธโƒฃ Registered Name
3๏ธโƒฃ Date of Coverage
4๏ธโƒฃ Number of Branches & Primary Branch Address
5๏ธโƒฃ Regional Office

3. Deadline for Compliance

Employers are required to complete this compliance within 15 days of the order, i.e., by 21st October 2025.

4. Penalties for Non-Compliance

Failure to comply may attract legal action under the Employeesโ€™ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Employers may face penalties, inspections, or prosecution for violation of statutory duties.

โš–๏ธ Why This Matters for Employers

This directive will now form a standard inspection checkpoint for EPFO field officers. By making Form 5A details public, establishments can:

  • Build employee trust and awareness of EPF coverage
  • Avoid inspection-related disputes
  • Ensure seamless compliance during audits
  • Strengthen their reputation as a statutory compliant organisation

๐Ÿ“Œ Action Plan for Employers

To ensure compliance with the EPFOโ€™s 2025 directive:

  1. Prepare a Display Board โ€“ Place it at the entrance of the main office/factory.
  2. Update Digital Platforms โ€“ Upload Form 5A details on your website and mobile app.
  3. Keep Compliance Evidence โ€“ Maintain photos of display boards and screenshots of website uploads.
  4. Train HR/Compliance Teams โ€“ Ensure timely updates during future inspections.

Conclusion

The new EPFO directive on Form 5A is a significant step towards improving workplace compliance and transparency. Employers must act quickly to avoid penalties and demonstrate their commitment to statutory compliance under the EPF Act.

๐Ÿ“… Remember the deadline: 21st October 2025. Ensure your establishment is ready for inspection with a Form 5A display board and digital presence today.

Delhi Minimum Wages (October 2025 โ€“ March 2026): Latest Update

Delhi Minimum Wages (October 2025 โ€“ March 2026): Latest Update

Keeping track of Delhi Minimum Wages is critical for employers, HR professionals, contractors, and workers. The Government of India, through the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), has revised the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to the Consumer Price Index โ€“ Industrial Workers (CPI-IW). The revised rates are effective from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Highlights

  • Effective Period: 01 October 2025 โ€“ 31 March 2026
  • Applicable To: Agriculture, Construction, Mines, Sweeping & Cleaning, Watch & Ward, Loading & Unloading, and Stone Mines.
  • CPI-IW Base: 2016 = 100; Average = 413.42 (increase of 11.33 points)
  • Area Classification: Area A, B, and C (as per 19 January 2017 notification)
  • Compliance Requirement: Contractors and employers must update wage structures accordingly.

๐Ÿ“Š Delhi Minimum Wages 2025-26 (Per Day)

1. Agriculture Sector

Category

Area A

Area B

Area C

Unskilled

โ‚น514

โ‚น470

โ‚น465

Semi-Skilled / Unskilled Supervisory

โ‚น562

โ‚น516

โ‚น475

Skilled / Clerical

โ‚น610

โ‚น562

โ‚น515

Highly Skilled

โ‚น675

โ‚น628

โ‚น562

2. Construction / Building Operations

Category

Area A

Area B

Area C

Unskilled

โ‚น805

โ‚น674

โ‚น541

Semi-Skilled / Unskilled Supervisory

โ‚น893

โ‚น760

โ‚น632

Skilled / Clerical

โ‚น981

โ‚น893

โ‚น760

Highly Skilled

โ‚น1,065

โ‚น981

โ‚น893

3. Sweeping & Cleaning

Category

Area A

Area B

Area C

All Workers

โ‚น805

โ‚น674

โ‚น541

4. Watch & Ward

  • Without Arms: A โ€“ โ‚น981, B โ€“ โ‚น893, C โ€“ โ‚น760
  • With Arms: A โ€“ โ‚น1,065, B โ€“ โ‚น981, C โ€“ โ‚น893

5. Mines

Category

Above Ground

Below Ground

Unskilled

โ‚น541

โ‚น674

Semi-Skilled

โ‚น674

โ‚น805

Skilled

โ‚น805

โ‚น938

Highly Skilled

โ‚น938

โ‚น1,049

6. Stone Mines (Piece Rate Examples)

  • Soft Soil Excavation: โ‚น545
  • Rock Excavation: โ‚น1,083
  • Breaking/Crushing (per 2.832 mยณ): โ‚น1,372 โ€“ โ‚น3,323

๐Ÿ“Œ Why This Matters for Employers

  1. Statutory Compliance โ€“ Paying below notified minimum wages attracts penalties under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
  2. Payroll Adjustments โ€“ HR teams must update salary registers, wage slips, and ECR filings.
  3. Contractor Management โ€“ Principal employers must ensure contractors implement revised wages in bills.
  4. Audit Preparedness โ€“ Proper records help during Labour Department inspections and PF/ESIC audits.

โœ… Conclusion

The Delhi Minimum Wages (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026) notification ensures fair wages for workers across multiple sectors. Employers and contractors must act immediately to incorporate these changes into their payroll systems, contracts, and compliance documents. Staying updated with these changes helps avoid penalties and ensures smooth statutory compliance.

๐Ÿ“ข Stay tuned to PCS Blog for the latest labour law updates, compliance tips, and minimum wage notifications across India.

Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Amendment 2025: Key changes in working hours, overtime rules, and registration threshold for businesses

๐Ÿ“Œ Introduction

The Maharashtra Government has introduced the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, effective 1st October 2025. This update to the Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Act, 2017 is one of the most important labour law updates in India 2025.

The amendment focuses on:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Reducing compliance burden for small businesses,
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Ease of Doing Business in Maharashtra,
  • โฐ Flexibility in daily working hours, and
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Stronger overtime rules for employees.

For every shop, restaurant, retail outlet, and office in Maharashtra, this is a critical statutory compliance update.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Amendments under Maharashtra Shops Act 2025

Provision

Old Rule (Before 2025 Amendment)

New Rule (2025 Amendment)

Registration Threshold

Registration required for 10 or more employees

Registration mandatory only for 20 or more employees. Shops & establishments with less than 20 only need business intimation

Daily Working Hours

Maximum 9 hours per day

Increased to 10 hours per day, subject to 48 hours per week

Weekly Hours

Capped at 48 hours per week

No change โ€“ remains 48 hours per week

Spread-Over of Work

10.5 hours maximum per day

Extended to 12 hours per day

Continuous Work without Break

5 hours continuous work allowed

Increased to 6 hours continuous work before rest interval

Overtime Limit

Maximum 125 hours per quarter

Raised to 144 hours per quarter with double wages

Women Employees (Night Shift)

Permitted with safety & transport

No change โ€“ safety, security, and transport remain mandatory

๐ŸŽฏ Why the Amendment Matters

The Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Amendment 2025 is designed to reduce compliance hurdles and improve labour law compliance in Maharashtra.

Key objectives:

  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Reduce compliance for shops with less than 20 employees.
  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ Provide operational flexibility with 10-hour daily limit and 12-hour spread-over.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Protect workers with formal overtime up to 144 hours per quarter.
  • ๐Ÿš€ Strengthen Ease of Doing Business reforms Maharashtra 2025.

๐Ÿ‘‰ Trending search keywords: Maharashtra labour law amendment 2025, Shops & Establishments Act changes, daily working hours labour law Maharashtra, overtime rules Maharashtra 2025.

๐Ÿ“‹ Employer Compliance Checklist 2025

Compliance Area

What Employers Must Do

Employee Count & Registration

Registration mandatory if 20 or more employees. If less than 20, provide only business intimation.

Working Hours

Ensure no employee works beyond 10 hours daily or 48 hours weekly.

Spread-Over

Daily spread-over not to exceed 12 hours.

Rest Intervals

Provide a break after 6 hours continuous work.

Overtime Rules

Overtime ceiling is 144 hours per quarter, with double wages paid.

Registers & Records

Maintain statutory registers for attendance, wages, overtime, and leave.

Women Night Shift Rules

Provide safe transport, security, and Labour Dept. intimation.

Wages & Payments

Ensure compliance with minimum wages Maharashtra 2025 and issue payslips.

Display & Notices

Display updated labour law notices on working hours and weekly offs.

โš ๏ธ Key Challenges for Employers

  • Implementing 10-hour workdays without breaching weekly limits.
  • Monitoring overtime compliance (144 hours/quarter).
  • Updating policies for women employees in night shifts.
  • Maintaining error-free wage registers and overtime records for inspections.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Impact on Businesses & Employees

  • ๐Ÿช Retail Shops & Malls: Flexibility for extended working hours and 24ร—7 operations.
  • ๐Ÿด Restaurants & Hospitality: Better capacity to manage late-night demand.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Employees: More opportunities for legal overtime earnings.
  • ๐Ÿ“‰ Small Businesses: Reduced paperwork as registration threshold increases from 10 to 20 employees.

๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion

The Maharashtra Shops & Establishments Amendment Ordinance, 2025 is a game-changer in labour law reforms. It balances the needs of Ease of Doing Business with the protection of workersโ€™ rights.

โœ… Employers must:

  • Update shift rosters for 10 hours daily and 12 hours spread-over,
  • Track overtime up to 144 hours per quarter,
  • Verify staff strength for registration compliance (20+ employees), and
  • Maintain complete labour law records.

๐Ÿ“ข Final Word: This labour law update Maharashtra 2025 is a progressive step. Employers should act now to update compliance systems and HR policies to stay legally secure.

๐ŸŒƒ Maharashtra Allows Shops & Restaurants to Operate 24ร—7 โ€“ Key Compliance Insights for Businesses

๐Ÿ“Œ Introduction

In a significant move, the Government of Maharashtra has clarified that shops and restaurants can now remain open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.

This update brings Mumbai and other major cities in Maharashtra in line with the global trend of building a โ€œnight economyโ€, encouraging employment opportunities, boosting tourism, and offering more convenience to consumers. However, for employers, this also means stricter compliance obligations under labour laws.

๐Ÿ”‘ Key Highlights of the Government Clarification

  • โœ… 24ร—7 Operations Permitted: Shops and restaurants can function without restrictions on timing.
  • โŒ Exception: Only outlets serving liquor remain excluded.
  • โœ… Business Advantage: Retailers, hoteliers, and restaurants gain operational flexibility, creating scope for higher revenues and more employment.
  • โœ… Industry Welcome: Associations such as the Retailers Association of India and the Federation of Hotel & Restaurant Associations of India have welcomed this clarification.

โš–๏ธ Employer Compliance Obligations under the 2017 Act

While the permission for 24×7 shops in Maharashtra is progressive, businesses must ensure strict adherence to compliance norms:

1. Duty Hours & Weekly Offs

  • Employees must not be made to work beyond prescribed duty hours.
  • Weekly holidays are mandatory, and overtime must be paid as per law.

2. Wages & Record Maintenance

  • Timely payment of wages as per the Payment of Wages Act.
  • Proper registers for attendance, overtime, salary, and leave must be maintained and produced during inspections.

3. Women Employees & Night Shifts

  • Safety and transport arrangements must be ensured for women working at night.
  • Prior intimation and approval may be required from the Labour Department or DISH when employing women beyond permissible hours.

4. Health & Safety Measures

  • Fire safety, first aid, and sanitation facilities must be in place.
  • Coordination with civic authorities is critical for garbage disposal, late-night cleanliness, and emergency management.

โš ๏ธ Practical Challenges Ahead

Even though the law permits round-the-clock functioning, practical challenges continue:

  • Police authorities may still insist on early closure citing law-and-order concerns ๐Ÿš”.
  • Civic challenges such as waste management ๐Ÿšฎ and fire safety ๐Ÿ”ฅ need strict monitoring.
  • Ensuring safe transportation and security for employees, particularly women ๐Ÿ›ก๏ธ, is a statutory responsibility.

๐Ÿ“ˆ Impact on Businesses & the Economy

  • ๐Ÿช Retail Sector: Extended operations may attract more footfall and improve sales.
  • ๐Ÿด Hospitality Industry: Restaurants, cafรฉs, and eateries will benefit from late-night demand.
  • ๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐Ÿ’ผ Employment: More job opportunities for staff across shifts.
  • โœˆ๏ธ Tourism Boost: Strengthens Maharashtraโ€™s image as a global business and leisure hub.

๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion

The Maharashtra 24ร—7 shops and restaurants law is a landmark reform that promotes business growth while aligning with global practices. However, compliance obligations under the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments Act, 2017 remain crucial.

Employers must ensure that employee welfare, labour law compliance, and safety measures are not compromised while leveraging this opportunity.

๐Ÿ”Ž For businesses in retail and hospitality, this is the right time to revisit internal shift policies, safety measures, and statutory registers to stay fully compliant while enjoying the benefits of round-the-clock operations.

๐Ÿ“ข Bihar Minimum Wages Revised from 1st October 2025 โ€“ Latest Update

The Government of Bihar has officially revised the minimum wages for all scheduled employments with effect from 1st October 2025. This revision has been notified under Section 3 & 5 of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and is based on the Special Allowance (VDA) linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

This change impacts employers across manufacturing, factories, shops, commercial establishments, and other scheduled employments in Bihar. Employers must update their payroll systems to comply with the revised wage rates to avoid penalties and ensure statutory compliance.

๐Ÿ“Š Bihar Minimum Wages Rates (w.e.f. 01.10.2025)

Category of Worker

Daily VDA (โ‚น)

Old Wages (โ‚น/Day)

New Wages (โ‚น/Day)

Approx. Monthly Wages (โ‚น)*

Unskilled

4

424

428

11,128

Semi-Skilled

4

440

444

11,544

Skilled

5

536

541

14,066

Highly Skilled

6

654

660

17,160

*Calculated on 26 working days/month (as generally considered for minimum wage calculations).

โœ… Key Highlights

  • Effective Date: 1st October 2025
  • Applicable To: All scheduled employments in Bihar
  • Basis of Revision: Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) linked to CPI
  • Impact: Increase in daily wages ranging from โ‚น4 to โ‚น6 per day
  • Compliance: Employers must update wage registers, payroll, and salary slips as per revised rates

๐Ÿ” Why This Matters for Employers

  • Statutory Compliance: Non-adherence can lead to penalties, interest, and legal action under the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.
  • Payroll Adjustments: HR and payroll teams must revise Basic Wages + VDA in salary structures.
  • Bonus & Gratuity Impact: Since these benefits are linked to minimum wages, the revised rates will influence annual bonus calculations and gratuity liabilities.
  • Contract Labour: Contractors engaged in Bihar must ensure that revised rates are implemented for all workers.

๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion

The Bihar Minimum Wages (Oct 2025 โ€“ March 2026) revision ensures workersโ€™ wages are aligned with inflationary trends. Employers are advised to implement these changes immediately and maintain compliance.

For businesses operating in Bihar, it is crucial to update wage records, issue revised appointment letters (if necessary), and train payroll teams on the updated structure.

๐Ÿ“ข Stay tuned with Prakash Consultancy Services (PCS) for timely updates on Minimum Wages Notifications, Labour Laws, EPF, ESIC, PT, and LWF across India.

Central Minimum Wages (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026): Impact, Benefits & Challenges

The Central Government has revised the minimum wages applicable to employments under its purview, effective from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026. This revision, notified by the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), covers scheduled employments such as construction, mines, oilfields, railways, and central public sector establishments, and acts as a benchmark for several states as well.

This article explains the latest updates, effects, and compliance requirements in detail for employers and employees.

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Highlights of the Wage Revision

  • Effective Period: 1st October 2025 โ€“ 31st March 2026
  • Coverage: Central sphere employments (inter-state workers, contract workers, railway employees, mines, etc.)
  • Components: Basic Minimum Wage + Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA)
  • Frequency of Revision: Twice a year (April & October), linked to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-IW)

โœ… Benefits & Positive Impacts

  1. Improved Worker Welfare
    Workers in the lowest income bracket will see higher take-home pay, improving living standards and reducing dependency on debt.
  2. Reduction in Wage Inequality
    By raising the floor wage, the gap between low-wage and mid-wage earners reduces, thereby helping income equity.
  3. Boost in Consumption Demand
    Since low-wage workers spend a larger share of their earnings, higher wages will stimulate local markets.
  4. Social Security Contributions
    With higher wages, contributions under EPF, ESIC, Bonus, and Gratuity also increase, ensuring better long-term security.

โš ๏ธ Challenges for Employers

  1. Higher Compliance Costs
    Employers will need to adjust payroll, leading to higher wage bills and associated statutory contributions.
  2. Risk of Informalisation
    Some establishments may try to bypass compliance by pushing workers into informal arrangements.
  3. Inflationary Pressure
    Rising labour costs could translate into price hikes in certain labour-intensive industries.
  4. Enforcement Gaps
    Non-compliance is a risk, especially in small contractors and subcontracted employments.

๐Ÿ“Œ Compliance Checklist for Employers

  • Revise wage structures in line with the notified minimum wages.
  • Update payroll systems to reflect changes in Basic + VDA.
  • Ensure statutory contributions (PF, ESIC, Bonus, LWF, PT, Gratuity) are recalculated on revised wages.
  • Communicate the changes transparently to employees.
  • Maintain updated wage registers and muster rolls for inspection.

๐Ÿ”Ž Broader Implications (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026)

  • For Workers: Direct rise in wages and social security benefits.
  • For Employers: Higher labour costs but potential productivity gains if managed efficiently.
  • For Economy: Positive impact on aggregate demand, but watch for inflationary pressures.
  • For Compliance Professionals: Increased demand for accurate payroll & statutory management.

๐Ÿ Conclusion

The Central Governmentโ€™s minimum wage revision (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026) reinforces the importance of fair wages, worker welfare, and statutory compliance. While it brings undeniable benefits to workers, it also challenges employers to restructure costs and maintain compliance discipline.

Employers are advised to review wage structures, consult compliance experts, and adopt transparent practices to ensure smooth implementation. Workers, on the other hand, should remain informed of their rights to fair wages and timely social s

The Central Government has revised the minimum wages applicable to employments under its purview, effective from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026. This revision, notified by the Office of the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central), covers scheduled employments such as construction, mines, oilfields, railways, and central public sector establishments, and acts as a benchmark for several states as well.

This article explains the latest updates, effects, and compliance requirements in detail for employers and employees.

๐Ÿ“Œ Key Highlights of the Wage Revision

  • Effective Period:ย 1st October 2025 โ€“ 31st March 2026
  • Coverage:ย Central sphere employments (inter-state workers, contract workers, railway employees, mines, etc.)
  • Components:ย Basic Minimum Wage + Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA)
  • Frequency of Revision:ย Twice a year (April & October), linked to theย Consumer Price Index (CPI-IW)

โœ… Benefits & Positive Impacts

  1. Improved Worker Welfare
    Workers in the lowest income bracket will see higher take-home pay, improvingย living standardsย and reducing dependency on debt.
  2. Reduction in Wage Inequality
    By raising the floor wage, the gap between low-wage and mid-wage earners reduces, thereby helpingย income equity.
  3. Boost in Consumption Demand
    Since low-wage workers spend a larger share of their earnings, higher wages willย stimulate local markets.
  4. Social Security Contributions
    With higher wages, contributions underย EPF, ESIC, Bonus, and Gratuityย also increase, ensuring better long-term security.

โš ๏ธ Challenges for Employers

  1. Higher Compliance Costs
    Employers will need to adjust payroll, leading toย higher wage billsย and associated statutory contributions.
  2. Risk of Informalisation
    Some establishments may try to bypass compliance by pushing workers intoย informal arrangements.
  3. Inflationary Pressure
    Rising labour costs could translate intoย price hikesย in certain labour-intensive industries.
  4. Enforcement Gaps
    Non-compliance is a risk, especially inย small contractors and subcontracted employments.

๐Ÿ“Œ Compliance Checklist for Employers

  • Revise wage structures in line with theย notified minimum wages.
  • Update payroll systems to reflect changes inย Basic + VDA.
  • Ensureย statutory contributionsย (PF, ESIC, Bonus, LWF, PT, Gratuity) are recalculated on revised wages.
  • Communicate the changes transparently to employees.
  • Maintain updatedย wage registers and muster rollsย for inspection.

๐Ÿ”Ž Broader Implications (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026)

  • For Workers:ย Direct rise in wages and social security benefits.
  • For Employers:ย Higher labour costs but potential productivity gains if managed efficiently.
  • For Economy:ย Positive impact onย aggregate demand, but watch for inflationary pressures.
  • For Compliance Professionals:ย Increased demand forย accurate payroll & statutory management.

๐Ÿ Conclusion

The Central Governmentโ€™s minimum wage revision (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026) reinforces the importance of fair wages, worker welfare, and statutory compliance. While it brings undeniable benefits to workers, it also challenges employers to restructure costs and maintain compliance discipline.

Employers are advised to review wage structures, consult compliance experts, and adopt transparent practices to ensure smooth implementation. Workers, on the other hand, should remain informed of their rights to fair wages and timely social security benefits

๐Ÿญ Gujarat Minimum Wages (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026): Latest Notification, Rates & Compliance Guide

The Labour & Employment Department, Government of Gujarat has released the revised minimum wages notification effective from 1st October 2025 to 31st March 2026. This update is crucial for HR managers, payroll teams, compliance officers, contractors, and principal employers across the state, as it determines the statutory floor wages payable to employees engaged in all 46 scheduled employments.

๐Ÿ“ข Key Highlight: Special Allowance (VDA) Revision

The Government has revised the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI โ€“ Ahmedabad Centre).

  • Effective Date: 01 October 2025
  • Validity: Up to 31 March 2026
  • Revised VDA: โ‚น48.50 per day (Uniform for Zone I & II)
  • Monthly Equivalent: โ‚น1,261 (for 26 working days)

๐Ÿ“Š Minimum Wages in Gujarat (Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026)

Below is the category-wise and zone-wise structure combining Basic Wages + VDA (newly revised):

Category

Zone I (Per Day)

Zone II (Per Day)

Monthly Equivalent (26 days)

Unskilled

โ‚น452 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น500.50

โ‚น441 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น489.50

โ‚น13,013 โ€“ โ‚น12,727

Semi-Skilled

โ‚น462 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น510.50

โ‚น451 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น499.50

โ‚น13,273 โ€“ โ‚น12,987

Skilled

โ‚น472 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น520.50

โ‚น461 + โ‚น48.50 = โ‚น509.50

โ‚น13,533 โ€“ โ‚น13,247

๐Ÿ‘‰ These wage rates are applicable to all scheduled employments notified under the Gujarat Minimum Wages Act.

โš–๏ธ Legal Backing

This notification has been issued under the provisions of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 (till fully replaced by the Code on Wages, 2019).

  • Binding Nature: Employers cannot pay less than the prescribed minimum wage.
  • Penalty for Non-Compliance: Fine up to โ‚น500 and/or imprisonment up to 6 months under Section 22 of the Act.
  • Applicability: Covers direct employees, contract labour, casual workers, and outsourced staff.

๐Ÿข Employer Compliance Checklist

To stay compliant with the Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026 Gujarat Minimum Wages Notification, employers must:

โœ… Update Payroll: Revise wage structures by adding the new VDA from 1 October 2025.
โœ… Revise Registers: Ensure Form B (Register of Wages) and wage slips reflect updated rates.
โœ… PF & ESIC: Calculate contributions based on revised gross wages (Basic + VDA).
โœ… Professional Tax (PT) & MLWF: Adjust deductions/contributions in line with updated wages.
โœ… Contract Labour: Issue circulars to all contractors/vendors to comply; liability rests with the Principal Employer.
โœ… Display Notice: Exhibit the revised wage rates at a prominent place in the establishment as per rules.

๐Ÿ“Œ Conclusion

The Gujarat Minimum Wages Notification for Oct 2025 โ€“ Mar 2026 has introduced a revised VDA of โ‚น48.50 per day, raising the effective wages for Skilled, Semi-Skilled, and Unskilled categories across both Zone I and Zone II.

For businesses, timely compliance is not just a legal obligation but also ensures smooth audits, protection from labour disputes, and goodwill with employees.

๐Ÿ”‘ Pro Tip: Maintain a Compliance Matrix covering PF, ESIC, PT, MLWF, wage registers, and challans for every month. This single dashboard helps in audit defence, vendor monitoring, and risk management.

โœ… Stay Updated: For more such updates on minimum wages, EPFO notifications, ESIC changes, labour law compliance, and statutory deadlines, follow blog.pcsmgmt.com.