India Expands Social Security Coverage to Protect Over One Billion People: Key Reforms Explained

October 31, 2026 2:34 PM

India Expands Social Security Coverage to Protect Over One Billion People: Key Reforms Explained

Three key takeaways India's social protection coverage has increased from 19% in 2015 to 68.4% in 2026, bringing more than one billion people under the social protection framework. The revision of the mandatory EPFO wage ceiling from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month is expected to bring over 51 lakh additional employees under its coverage. Digital reforms, pension schemes and welfare initiatives such as e-Shram and PM-SYM aim to strengthen social security fo...

EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate on PF deposits for 2025-26

March 2, 2026 5:14 PM

EPFO retains 8.25% interest rate on PF deposits for 2025-26

The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) on Monday approved an interest rate of 8.25 per cent on Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) deposits for 2025-26, retaining the same rate for the second consecutive year, according to an official statement. The decision was taken at the 239th meeting of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) held in New Delhi and chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The meeting was attended by Minister of State Shobha Karandlaje, Labour ...