Centre Eyes EPFO Wage Limit Hike to Rs 30,000, Expanding Social Security Net

• Centre is considering raising the EPFO monthly wage ceiling from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000-30,000, as per a Times of India report.
• This move aims to significantly broaden the social security coverage, bringing more low-income and unskilled workers into the provident fund system.
• The proposal was previously shelved due to resistance from employers, who sought reduced contribution rates if the limit increased, while employee unions pushed for Rs 30,000.
• The current Rs 15,000 ceiling, last revised in September 2014, is now often below minimum wages in many states, leaving many workers outside EPFO.
• The Supreme Court recently directed the Labour Ministry to review the wage ceiling within four months, coinciding with the implementation of new labour codes.

Why It Matters: EPFO wage limit hike to Rs 25,000-30,000 could expand social security for millions.