1. Sir, newspaper announcements of ministers etc. are not reliable so far as legal aspects are concerned. The managements/HR officials, in my opinion, as a result of such announcements of Minister are reasonably worried about the notification of enhancements of wage ceiling under ESI Act, 1948 and rules/regulations framed thereunder. I think, HR officials and employers should confirm the position in writing from either appropriate office of ESIC or from Ministry of Labour & Employment, Central Govt.
2. I personally understand that there is system of enhancement of wage ceiling under above Act. (1) firstly ESIC is to recommend to Central Govt. for enhancement of wage ceiling. This step appears to have been completed since there was some meeting of ESIC in first week of September, 2016. (2) the 2nd step is to issue Intention Notification under ESI (Central) Rules, 1950 inviting objections and views of affected parties ( i.e. employers and employees). The intention notification period is for one month and so far the appropriate Govt. i.e. Ministry of Labour & Employment, has not issued said intention notification (this can be confirmed from offices of ESIC/Govt of India as mentioned by me above). (3) after elapse of a period of one month, the appropriate government has to examine the objections received in respect of above intention notification & (4) after examining all the objections and views of affected parties, as mentioned above, the appropriate government is to issue final Gazette Notification. From above, members can see and presume how much time it will take for issue of final notification.
3. In my opinion, if any employers will deduct contribution from the wages of employees, who are not coverable under above Act on account of getting wages exceeding to wage limit, then it will be wrongful and unauthorised deductions so far as the provisions of the Payment of Wages Act are concerned.