MLWF: Key Dates, Revised Contribution Rates
Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund (MLWF) is a government-backed social security scheme designed to provide financial assistance and welfare benefits to workers in the state of Maharashtra, India. The fund is administered by the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Board, which is responsible for collecting contributions from employers and employees and utilizing these funds to implement various welfare programs.
Key functions of MLWF include:
- Collecting contributions: Both employers and employees contribute to the fund.
- Providing benefits: These benefits can include medical assistance, education, housing, and other welfare schemes.
- Implementing welfare schemes: MLWF runs various programs to improve the quality of life of workers.
Applicability:
MLWF is applicable to all establishments in Maharashtra that employs 5 or more workers. This includes factories, workshops, mines, plantations, and other industrial units., hospitals, societies.
Latest MLWF Amendment for 2024
Amendment to the Maharashtra Labour Welfare Fund Act: Section 6BB(2) of the Act has been amended by Maharashtra Act No. 25, effective from March 18, 2024.
Revised Contribution Rates: Starting from June 2024, the contribution rates for both employees and employers have been increased.
Revised Contribution Rates (Effective from June 2024)
| Contribution Type | Old Rate (per half-year) | New Rate (per half-year) |
|---|---|---|
| Employee Contribution | Rs. 12/- | Rs. 25/- |
| Employer Contribution | Rs. 36/- | Rs. 75/- |
| Total Contribution | Rs. 48/- | Rs. 100/- |
Here’s a snapshot of the revised contribution rates:
Note: The government has the authority to increase the employee contribution rate once every three years, up to a maximum of 30%. Which will also result in increase of employer rate by thrice.
Important Dates: Deductions and Return Submissions
| Action | Deduction Due Date |
Return Submission Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution Deduction (January 1 – June 30) | June 30 | July 15 |
| Contribution Deduction (July 1 – December 31) | December 31 | January 15 |
Payment Mandate: All establishments are now required to pay their new employee and employer contributions online through the official MLWF portal (public.mlwb.in) starting from June 2024.
Interest on Unpaid Employer and Employee Contributions (Section 6BB):
- For the first three months of non-payment: 1.5% interest on the unpaid contributions per month.
- After three months: 2% interest on the unpaid contributions per month, continuing for the entire default period.