BMS seeks early Indian Labour Conference, presses EPF and ESI revisions

A delegation of leaders of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) met Union Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) and demanded that the Indian Labour Conference (ILC) be convened at the earliest. The BMS leadership also urged the Union Government to increase the ceiling limits of the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). They sought a substantial increase in the minimum PF pension from ₹1,000, an enhancement of bonus calculation limits, and an increase in gratuity entitlement from 15 days to 30 days. The leaders also demanded a hike in the honorarium and incentives for all scheme workers.

BMS general secretary Ravindra Himte said in a statement after the meeting that Mr. Mandaviya had promised to look into the issues raised, particularly the demands related to increasing the ceiling limits of ESI and EPF and the minimum pension. The BMS had earlier threatened agitation to press these demands. The meeting was apparently convened in the context of the pending demands, and the BMS had postponed protests following the implementation of the Labour Codes. Other central trade unions, meanwhile, have announced a general strike on February 12, raising similar issues.

The BMS statement said its leaders highlighted the plight of various categories of contract workers across the private, public and government sectors. Citing issues and cases in Indian Oil Corporation Ltd., telecom companies, State Electricity Boards, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, Air India Express and the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, among others, the delegation demanded strict implementation of Clause 25(2)(5)(A) of the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970. The provision states that “the Contract worker should be paid the same and similar wages at par with the workman employed by the employer in any establishment”. “The delegation demanded stringent action against contractors and contract agencies that violate the rules, harass and exploit contract workers,” Mr. Himte added.

The BMS also requested the Minister to establish welfare boards for all categories of drivers in the private transport service sector. “The Minister patiently heard all the issues, discussed the implications of the demands, and promised the delegation that the Government would consider these issues seriously and take positive steps at the earliest possible date,” Mr. Himte said. The BMS leadership further raised the issue of an initial public offering in the Regional Rural Banks, pending before the Chief Labour Commissioner (Central). Mr. Himte said the Minister assured the delegation that he would speak with the Union Finance Minister to resolve the issue.