r.k bhandari & co.

 Prepare, Comply, Succeed: Handling Labour Inspections Efficiently Labour inspections are an essential part of compliance under EPF, ESIC, and other labour laws . While they may seem daunting, proper preparation can help organisations manage inspections smoothly, avoid penalties, and maintain credibility . Understand the Scope of Inspection Before an inspection, know what authorities may check: Statutory registers and records (wage registers, attendance, EPF/ESIC contribution records) Employment contracts and HR policies Safety and welfare compliance (for factories, shops, and establishments) Understanding the scope helps in focused preparation and quicker responses . Pre-Inspection Checklist for Employers ✅ Maintain updated statutory registers and records ✅ Ensure timely EPF & ESIC contributions ✅ Display minimum wage notifications and safety posters at workplace ✅ Conduct internal audits to identify gaps before inspection ✅ Keep digital and physical co...

The Gig Workforce and Social Security: Understanding ESIC & EPF Coverage The gig economy is booming, with millions of freelancers, delivery partners, and platform-based workers contributing significantly to India’s workforce. However, their social security coverage under ESIC and EPF remains a critical concern for both workers and employers. Current Coverage Scenario Under existing laws: EPF (Employees’ Provident Fund): Mandatory for establishments with 20+ employees , making many gig workers technically excluded . ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation): Applicable to insured persons with regular wages , leaving gig and platform workers outside the traditional coverage . This creates a protection gap , especially in areas like health insurance, maternity benefits, and unemployment support . Challenges for Platform Workers Lack of statutory benefits due to informal employment. Irregular income and contribution gaps make ESIC & EPF participation difficult. Legal am...

From Manual to Digital: Modernising Labour Law Compliance with Technology The world of labour law compliance is evolving rapidly with digital transformation . Employers are now leveraging technology to simplify complex statutory obligations, reduce errors, and ensure timely submissions under EPF, ESIC, and other labour regulations . E-Filing Made Easy Digital platforms allow organisations to submit returns and reports online , reducing manual paperwork and human errors. E-filing ensures accurate record-keeping and faster processing of statutory documents. Online Challans and Payments With online challan systems , employers can make EPF, ESIC, and professional tax payments directly through secure portals. This not only saves time but also generates instant acknowledgments , minimizing compliance risks. Compliance Automation Modern HR and payroll software provide automation tools that: Track contribution deadlines Generate alerts for statutory submissions Maintain updated registers...

Understanding the Central Minimum Wage Update (Oct 2025 – Mar 2026) The Government of India has announced a revision of Central Minimum Wages effective from October 2025 to March 2026 . This update affects all employees under the Central Sphere and aims to align wages with rising living costs, promote fair pay, and strengthen the social security framework for India’s workforce. Revised Wage Structure Overview The latest notification includes an upward revision in the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) across: Unskilled workers Semi-skilled workers Skilled and highly skilled categories This revision ensures that wages reflect current inflation levels and support sustainable living standards . Employers must update: Payroll and wage registers ESIC and EPF contribution calculations Employment contracts and HR policies Benefits for Workers ✨ Increased take-home salary and improved income stability ✨ Enhanced ESIC and EPF benefits through higher contributio...

 Adopting New Working Models: Why Organisations Must Be Cautious The world of work is changing faster than ever. Remote work, hybrid schedules, and flexible gig roles are no longer optional—they are shaping the future of business. While these modern work models offer tremendous benefits, organisations need to adopt them carefully to ensure productivity, compliance, and employee engagement. Why Flexible Work Models Are Popular Flexible working arrangements are transforming workplaces by offering: Work-Life Balance: Employees enjoy flexibility to manage personal and professional commitments. Enhanced Productivity: Autonomy often leads to better focus and higher output. Talent Retention & Attraction: Modern professionals prefer companies offering flexible schedules and hybrid work opportunities . Cost Efficiency: Reduced office space and overheads with remote work options. Risks Organisations Must Address Despite the benefits, adopting new work models witho...