BMS wants early Indian Labor Conference, pushes for EPF and ESI amendments

A delegation of leaders of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-backed trade union Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) met Union Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya here on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) and demanded that the Indian Labor Conference (ILC) be convened as soon as possible. The BMS leadership also urged the central government to increase the limit of Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) and Employees’ State Insurance (ESI). They demanded a substantial increase in the minimum PF pension by ₹1,000, increase in the bonus calculation limit and increase in gratuity eligibility from 15 days to 30 days. The leaders also demanded increase in honorarium and incentive amount for all scheme workers.

BMS general secretary Ravindra Himate, in a statement after the meeting, said Mr Mandaviya had promised to consider the issues raised, especially the demands related to increasing the limit of ESI and EPF and minimum pension. BMS had earlier threatened agitation to press these demands. The meeting was apparently called in the context of the pending demands and the BMS had postponed the protest after the implementation of the Labor Code. Meanwhile, other central trade unions have also 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 in the private, public and government sectors. The delegation sought strict implementation of Section 25(2)(5)(a) of the Contract Labor (Regulation and Abolition) Act, 1970, citing issues and cases including Indian Oil Corporation Limited, telecom companies, state electricity boards, Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, Air India Express and Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant, among other issues. The provision states that “a contract employee should be paid the same and equal wages as a worker employed by the employer in any establishment”. “The delegation demanded strict action against contractors and contract agencies who violate rules, harass and exploit contract workers,” Mr. Himte said.

BMS also requested the Minister to set up a welfare board for all categories of drivers in the private transport service sector. “The minister listened to all the issues patiently, discussed the implications of the demands and promised the delegation that the government will consider these issues seriously and take positive steps at the earliest,” Mr Himte said. The BMS leadership also raised the issue of initial public offerings in Regional Rural Banks pending before the Chief Labor Commissioner (Central). Mr Himte said the minister assured the delegation that he would talk to the Union Finance Minister to resolve the issue.