Can Canteen Subsidy Be Counted as Basic Wages Under the PF Act? Seeking Clarity

bagalerahul
Dear All,

Though the definition of "Basic Wages" under the PF Act is:

(b) "basic wages" means all emoluments which are earned by an employee while on duty or on leave or on holidays with wages in either case in accordance with the terms of the contract of employment and which are paid or payable in cash to him, but does not include--
(i) the cash value of any food concession;
(ii) any dearness allowance (that is to say, all cash payments by whatever name called paid to an employee on account of a rise in the cost of living), house-rent allowance, overtime allowance, bonus, commission or any other similar allowance payable to the employee in respect of his employment or of work done in such employment;
(iii) any presents made by the employer.

My question is: The company has provided a canteen facility and subsidized it for Rs. 32 per day per employee. Can the payment of canteen subsidy extended by the employer be considered under the preview of Basic Wages?

Regards,

Rahul
giri7int
Yes. As per the law, it can be assessed as part of the basic pay. Please note that Canteen Subsidy is taxable as per the law.
giri7int
Dear Rahul,

It can be assessed as part of the basic compensation. Also, this component is taxable.

Regards,
Girish S.
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