UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC allows petitioner to approach Centre on timely revision of EPFO wage ceiling

Q1. The wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees' Provident Fund Scheme is prescribed under which one of the following statutes?

  • A. Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948
  • B. Employees' Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952
  • C. Payment of Wages Act, 1936
  • D. Code on Social Security, 2020

Q2. The Employees' Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO), which administers the EPF wage ceiling presently under review by the Supreme Court, functions as a statutory body under which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Finance
  • B. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • C. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  • D. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment

Q3. With reference to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) Scheme, 1952, consider the following statements: 1. The wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Scheme is currently ₹15,000 per month. 2. The present wage ceiling has been in force since 1 September 2014. 3. The Central Board of Trustees of EPFO is chaired ex officio by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. 4. "Basic wages" for the purpose of EPF contribution include basic pay, dearness allowance and retaining allowance, if any. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Scheme is currently ₹15,000 per month.
  2. The present wage ceiling has been in force since 1 September 2014.
  3. The Central Board of Trustees of EPFO is chaired ex officio by the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India.
  4. "Basic wages" for the purpose of EPF contribution include basic pay, dearness allowance and retaining allowance, if any.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 4
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1, 3 and 4

Q4. With reference to the wage ceilings under the EPF and ESI Schemes in India, consider the following statements: 1. The wage ceiling under the EPF Scheme, 1952 is presently ₹15,000 per month, whereas the wage ceiling under the ESI Scheme is ₹21,000 per month. 2. Both the EPF and ESI Schemes are administered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment. 3. The EPF wage ceiling was last revised in 2014, while the ESI wage ceiling was last revised upwards (to ₹21,000) in 2017. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The wage ceiling under the EPF Scheme, 1952 is presently ₹15,000 per month, whereas the wage ceiling under the ESI Scheme is ₹21,000 per month.
  2. Both the EPF and ESI Schemes are administered by the Employees' Provident Fund Organisation under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
  3. The EPF wage ceiling was last revised in 2014, while the ESI wage ceiling was last revised upwards (to ₹21,000) in 2017.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3