In June, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) registered 20.27 lakh new members under the Employees State Insurance Scheme. The scheme, established as per the Employees’ State Insurance Act of 1948, is a social security initiative by the Government of India. Administered by the ESIC, it offers protection to employees against employment-related injuries, sickness, and maternity. The scheme applies to establishments with 10 or more employees, encompassing various sectors like transport, hospitality, media, and education. Both employers and employees contribute a percentage of wages to the scheme. The ESIC provides benefits including sickness, disability, maternity, and medical coverage.
Prelims pointer
- Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): The organization responsible for implementing the Employees State Insurance Scheme, providing social security benefits to covered employees.
- Employees State Insurance Scheme: A social security scheme mandated by the Employees’ State Insurance Act, offering protection to workers against employment-related injuries, sickness, and maternity.
- Statutory Corporate Body: The legal entity overseeing the administration and implementation of the ESIC and its related schemes.
- Applicability: The scope of the ESI Scheme extends to various establishments, including factories, transportation, hospitality, media, and educational institutions, employing 10 or more individuals.
- Wage Limit: The cap on monthly wages (Rs. 21,000/-) up to which employees are covered under the scheme, with a higher limit (Rs. 25,000/-) for Persons with Disabilities.
