Social Security for Workers — Amendments

Amendment	Year	Description	Impact
Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017	2017	Increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for the first two children. Introduced mandatory crèche facilities for establishments with 50 or more employees and allowed for work-from-home options.	Significantly enhanced maternity protection for women in the organized sector, aligning India's standards closer to international norms. However, it also raised concerns about potential disincentives for employers to hire women.
Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Act, 2014	2014	Introduced a wage ceiling of Rs. 15,000 per month for mandatory EPF coverage. Also, it clarified provisions related to the Employees' Pension Scheme (EPS), 1995, particularly regarding pensionable salary calculation.	Expanded mandatory coverage to more low-wage employees. The EPS changes, particularly the cap on pensionable salary, were later challenged in court, leading to the Supreme Court's 2022 judgment on higher pension options.
Employees' Compensation (Amendment) Act, 2009	2009	Renamed the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1923, to the Employees' Compensation Act, 1923. Expanded the definition of 'employee' and increased the minimum compensation amounts for death and permanent total disablement.	Broadened the scope of coverage and increased the financial protection for employees suffering from work-related injuries or diseases, reflecting a more inclusive approach to worker welfare.
Social Security Code, 2020	2020	Consolidated and amended nine central labor laws related to social security. Introduced provisions for unorganized workers, gig workers, and platform workers, aiming for universal social security coverage.	Aims to simplify the complex social security landscape and extend benefits to previously excluded categories. Its full impact is pending as rules for complete implementation are still being notified.