HR & Compliance Blog

Complete guide to overtime rules in India — double rate calculation, daily/weekly/quarterly limits, factory vs shop act provisions, overtime register, penalties, and compliance for Kerala employers.

Design a compliant, tax-efficient salary structure for your Kerala startup or small business. Learn how to balance employee take-home pay with employer statutory costs at different CTC levels.

Everything Kerala employers need to know about LWF — contribution rates (₹50 employee, ₹50 employer), monthly payment deadline (5th), registration process, applicable establishments, and penalties.

Understand the difference between minimum wages (legal requirement) and living wages (ethical standard) in Kerala. Industry-wise minimum wage rates, VDA calculation, and how employers can bridge the gap.

Discover how ESIC protects your business from liability, reduces employee attrition, and delivers tangible financial and legal benefits to Kerala employers.

Complete guide to Kerala minimum wages for 2026 — industry-wise rates, Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) calculation, skilled/unskilled classifications, compliance requirements, and penalties for underpayment.

Complete guide to full and final settlement (F&F) — gratuity calculation, leave encashment rules, notice period pay, deductions, PF/ESIC exit marking, Form 19/10C filing, and timeline for settlement payment.

Complete guide to gratuity under the Payment of Gratuity Act — eligibility (5-year rule), calculation formula, income tax exemption up to ₹20 lakh, employer obligations, and nomination rules.

Complete guide to variable pay and performance bonus for Kerala employers — legal framework under the Payment of Bonus Act, designing effective incentive plans, tax treatment, and compliance requirements.

Maximise your take-home salary by optimising TDS. Complete guide to Section 80C (₹1.5 lakh), 80D health insurance, NPS ₹50,000, HRA exemption, standard deduction, home loan interest, and old vs new tax regime.

Complete guide to what deductions are legally permitted from employee salaries in India — PF, ESIC, PT, TDS, loan recovery, advances, and authorized deductions under the Payment of Wages Act.

Everything Kerala employers and employees need to know about Professional Tax — 2026 slab rates, monthly deduction amounts, payment deadlines, registration process, exemptions, and penalties for non-compliance.