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.
