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Salaried employees in the private sector may soon be able to enjoy up to Rs 20 lakh tax-free gratuity. The Labour Ministry has proposed an amendment to Payment of Gratuity Act following a meeting with the central trade unions. The amendment is likely to be passed by the government by April. This proposal will bring private sector employees on par with government and public sector undertakings'. Increasing the tax-free gratuity to Rs 20 lakh was one of the recommendations of the 7th Pay Commission, which been approved. Gratuity is one of the mandatory benefits enjoyed by salaried employees, the other one being the Employee Provident Fund (EPF). All employers who have more than 10 employees have to mandatorily pay gratuity. As per the Payment of Gratuity Act gratuity is to be paid after five years of service on separation or retirement with a limit of Rs 10 lakh. Though some companies do offer gratuity without the waiting period of five years. Broadly, there are two sets of employees. ..