The government of India recognises the significance of the services provided by the country’s valuable human resources and has therefore introduced the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme embodied in the Employees’ State Insurance Act 1948, and managed by the Employees’ State Insurance Company (ESIC). This ESI scheme has various benefits like maternity leave to aid PwD, let’s explore the details.

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What Is The ESI Scheme?

The Employees’ State Insurance Scheme was created to offer interested employees a variety of services ranging from medical treatment, aid for disabled individuals, benefits related to maternity, compensation for occupational injuries, and many others.

The ESI Scheme applies to factories and numerous other establishments such as road transport, hotels & restaurants, newspapers, shops, cinemas, and educational or medical institutions. The ESI Scheme also covers the workers on construction sites, insurance businesses, non-banking financial companies, port trusts, and airport authorities which weren’t included before.

Eligibility Criterion For The ESI Scheme

The ESI Scheme is only applicable to employees whose gross salaries are up to 21,000 INR per month (25,000 INR for people with disabilities).

The contributions towards the ESI Scheme are made both, by the employer giving 3.25% and the employee giving 0.75% of their gross salaries wherein 10 or more people are employed.

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Benefits Of The ESI Scheme

The ESI Scheme covers social security benefits such as

• Medical Aid: Full medical care is provided to an employer and their family members. It is also provided to permanently disabled and retired people and their spouses by making a payment of INR 120 annually.

• Sickness Benefit: It is granted to 70% of the employee's wages during the time of certified sickness for a maximum of 91 days. In case of long-term illnesses, the benefit can be extended up to 2 years at 80% of the employee’s wages. A week or two weeks' pay is given to insured people who would be opting for sterilisation for family planning.

• Maternity Aid: Maternity aid with full wage is payable for 26 weeks with an extension of a month.

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How To Apply For The ESI Scheme?

1. The interested candidate needs to obtain an ESI Registration number first which shall be provided by the respective employers as it is their responsibility to register their employees under the ESI Scheme.

2. Activating the ESI Account

• Please go to the official website of ESIC.

• Click on the ‘Insured Person Login’ option.

• Create a user ID and password with the help of your unique 17-digit ESI registration number.

• Finish the account activation by filling out the required details like name, date of birth, and phone number.

3. One can then apply for specific ESI benefits such as medical, maternity, disability, or others by filling in the required details along with filling out the related forms.

4. One needs to attach all the relevant documents such as Aadhar card, ESI registration card or number, bank account details, and others.

5. After the successful submission of applications, the application can be tracked online by logging in to the ESI account.

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Conclusion

The ESI Scheme is an umbrella for the employees shielding them from numerous uncertainties of life. The employees in the relevant sectors must apply for the benefits offered by the ESI Scheme specifically designed as a token of recognition and appreciation for the valuable services provided to them.

Important Links

Official website: https://www.esic.gov.in/

Contact Information: https://www.esic.gov.in/contact-us

ESIC Dashboard: https://www.esic.in/Dashboard/Default.aspx