Labour Rights in India —
What Every Worker Must Know

Your Core Labour Rights at a Glance

Minimum Wage — What You Must Be Paid

Every state in India sets its own minimum wage for different categories of work. Your employer cannot legally pay you below this amount. The minimum wage varies by state and type of work (skilled, semi-skilled, unskilled).

As of 2024-25, the national floor level minimum wage (the absolute minimum across India) is ₹178 per day for unskilled workers. Most states have set higher minimum wages. For example, Delhi's minimum wage for unskilled workers is around ₹18,000 per month.

• How to find your state's minimum wage: Search "[your state] minimum wage notification 2024" on Google, or visit your state's Labour Department website.
• If paid below minimum wage: File a complaint with the Labour Commissioner of your district. Employer can face imprisonment up to 6 months and fine up to ₹500 under the Minimum Wages Act.
• Domestic workers: Many states now include domestic workers under minimum wage laws. Check your state's notification.

Provident Fund (EPF) — Your Retirement Savings

If you work in a company with 20 or more employees and earn up to ₹15,000 per month (basic + DA), your employer must register you with the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) and contribute to your EPF account.

• Employee contribution: 12% of your basic salary + DA every month
• Employer contribution: 12% of your basic salary (split between EPF and EPS pension scheme)
• Interest rate: 8.25% per annum (2024-25) — tax-free
• Check your EPF balance: Visit epfindia.gov.in or use the UMANG app with your UAN number
• Employer not depositing PF: File complaint at epfindia.gov.in → "For Employees" → "Grievance" or call EPF helpline 1800-118-005
• Withdraw PF: After leaving a job, you can withdraw PF online at unifiedportal-mem.epfindia.gov.in after 2 months of unemployment

Gratuity — Money You Earn After 5 Years

Under the Payment of Gratuity Act 1972, if you work continuously for 5 or more years with the same employer, you are entitled to gratuity when you leave — whether you resign, retire, or are terminated (except for dismissal for misconduct).

Gratuity formula: (15 × Last drawn salary × Years of service) ÷ 26. For example, if your last salary was ₹20,000 and you worked for 8 years: (15 × 20,000 × 8) ÷ 26 = ₹92,307.

• Employer must pay gratuity within 30 days of your last working day
• Maximum gratuity amount: ₹20 lakh (tax-free)
• If employer refuses: File complaint with the Controlling Authority (Labour Commissioner) under Section 8 of the Act

How to File a Labour Complaint

If your employer is violating your labour rights — not paying minimum wage, withholding salary, not depositing PF, or harassing you — you have the right to complain. It is completely free and your job cannot be legally terminated for making a complaint in good faith.

• Online complaint portal: shramsuvidha.gov.in — Central Government portal for all labour complaints
• Labour Commissioner office: Visit your district Labour Commissioner's office in person with your employment documents (salary slips, appointment letter, etc.)
• EPF complaints: epfindia.gov.in → Grievance portal or call 1800-118-005
• ESIC complaints: esic.gov.in or call 1800-11-2526
• Salary non-payment: File complaint under Payment of Wages Act at Labour Commissioner office — employer can be fined up to ₹50,000

Labour Helplines & Official Links

• Labour Helpline: 1800-11-2526 (free)
• EPF Helpline: 1800-118-005 (free)
• ESIC Helpline: 1800-11-2526 (free)
• Central Labour portal: shramsuvidha.gov.in
• EPF portal: epfindia.gov.in
• Ministry of Labour: labour.gov.in

Official Source

All information is sourced from the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, EPFO, and ESIC official websites.

labour.gov.in ↗  ·  epfindia.gov.in ↗

This page is for informational purposes only. MeraHaq is not affiliated with the Ministry of Labour or the Government of India.