Supreme Court Orders EPF Wage Ceiling Hike: Big Relief for Millions of Employees

• Supreme Court directed the central government to revise the EPF wage ceiling within four months, citing increased salaries and inflation.
• The current wage ceiling of Rs. 15,000, last updated in 2014, excludes millions of workers from social security benefits like pension.
• The decision came during a hearing on a petition by social activist Naveen Prakash Nautiyal, highlighting the violation of social security rights.
• Increasing the limit will make thousands of new employees eligible for pension schemes, enhancing their financial security post-retirement.
• Employee unions advocate raising the ceiling to Rs. 21,000; the government must decide within four months of receiving the petitioner's request.

Why It Matters: SC's directive to hike EPF wage ceiling offers crucial financial security for millions of employees.