The Ministry of Labour and Employment has introduced a significant change to the Employees' Provident Fund (EPF) rules under the new EPF Scheme-2026, making PF contributions above the prescribed salary ceiling voluntary. Meanwhile, the Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group is preparing to raise ₹25,500 crore through a bond issue by pledging part of its stake in Tata Sons. Separately, Indian Railways reported strong freight growth in the first quarter of FY2026-27, while Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels received a ₹41.06 crore tax demand notice.
EPF Scheme-2026: Mandatory PF Contribution Limited to ₹1,800
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has revised EPF contribution rules, bringing greater flexibility for employees and employers.
Under the new scheme:
Mandatory EPF contribution remains 12% of salary, but only up to the statutory wage ceiling of ₹15,000 per month.
This means the compulsory monthly PF contribution is capped at ₹1,800 each for both the employee and employer.
Any contribution on salary exceeding ₹15,000 will now be voluntary and subject to mutual agreement between the employee and employer.
Previously, many organizations contributed 12% on the employee's actual basic salary even if it exceeded the statutory wage ceiling. The revised rule provides employees with greater control over their take-home salary and retirement savings.
Indian Railways Records Strong Growth in Freight Transport
Indian Railways delivered another robust quarterly performance in freight transportation during the first quarter of FY2026-27.
June 2026 Highlights
Freight transported: 142.21 million tonnes
June 2025 freight: 136.71 million tonnes
Growth: 4% year-on-year
Additional freight revenue: ₹430 crore
Revenue growth: 3%
Commodities Showing Strong Growth
Freight movement increased across several major sectors:
Fertilizers: 19.1%
Other goods: 17.3%
Iron ore: 9.4%
Clinker: 7.2%
Domestic coal: 4.9%
Total coal: 3.6%
During the April–June quarter, Indian Railways transported 419.08 million tonnes of freight, up from 413.05 million tonnes during the corresponding period last year.
SP Group Plans ₹25,500 Crore Bond Issue Against Tata Sons Stake
The Shapoorji Pallonji (SP) Group, which owns an 18.37% stake in Tata Sons, is planning to raise ₹25,500 crore through a bond issuance.
The proceeds will primarily be used to refinance existing debt.
Key Highlights
Part of the Tata Sons stake will be pledged as collateral.
The refinancing plan was delayed due to market volatility linked to geopolitical tensions.
The bond agreement reportedly requires the SP Group to repay at least ₹13,500 crore within 24 months.
Failure to meet this repayment condition could trigger a default.
The bond terms also reportedly include provisions requiring either a Tata Sons IPO within 18 months or a final agreement regarding the ownership rights attached to the SP Group's stake.
Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Receives ₹41.06 Crore Tax Notice
Hospitality company Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Ltd., which operates brands including The Park and Flurys, has received an Income Tax demand of ₹41.06 crore, including interest.
According to the company, the demand relates to the FY2024-25 assessment following detailed scrutiny by tax authorities.
The assessment reportedly involved:
Addition of certain income
Disallowance of selected business expenses under various provisions of the Income Tax Act
The company has confirmed that it will challenge the order by filing an appeal within the prescribed time.
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