10 April 2026
Dear Sirs As per new wage code introduced in November 2025, the defination of wages has been changed as Basic+DA only. As per this can you please help the ESI applicability? should we deduct ESI whose Gross salary Rs 42,000 then Basic Salary is Rs 21,000(50% of Gross). So its make applicability of ESI on this? and we have to deduct ESI on Rs 21,000/- or not? Please clarify.
10 April 2026
ESI applicability will be based on “wages” definition under the new wage code, where wages should be at least 50% of total remuneration. As per the Code on Social Security, 2020, ESI applicability will be determined based on the revised definition of wages, wherein wages (basic + DA + retaining allowance) must constitute at least 50% of total remuneration. Any excess exclusions beyond 50% are added back, thereby increasing the wage base and potentially expanding ESI coverage.
You can restructure salary, but you can’t escape social security anymore.
• New wage code enforces minimum 50% wages rule • Artificial salary structuring gets neutralized • ESI base increases → more employees covered • Applicability still depends on ₹21,000 threshold, but calculation changes