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How Rajiv Gandhi Yojana Is Helping Jobless Workers Earn A Monthly Income?

Komal Bajpai

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Updated: 30-08-2025 at 12:30 PM

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The Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana (RGSKY) is a crucial support scheme for insured
workers who lose their jobs due to retrenchment, factory closure, or permanent disability. Launched by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the scheme ensures financial and medical aid during difficult times, helping unemployed individuals manage life transitions while maintaining dignity and stability.

In this article, you will get the detailed information about the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana, its features, eligibility criteria, benefits and much more.

What Is Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana?

This is an unemployment allowance scheme administered by ESIC, which provides financial and medical support to insured individuals. They seek help in cases of retrenchment, factory closures, or permanent disability exceeding 40% due to an injury that is not employment-related for up to 24 months.

Overview

Below is a quick overview of the key components of the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana. This table highlights essential details like benefit amounts, eligibility, coverage, and application timelines.

Aspect	Details
Launch Date	1 April 2005
Implementing Agency	Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC)
Duration of Benefits	Up to 24 months
Coverage	Retrenchment, factory closures, or permanent disability (40% or more)
Benefit Rates	50% of the last average daily wages (first 12 months), 25% (next 12 months)
Medical Benefits	Continuous medical care for the insured person and their dependents during the benefit period
Eligibility Period	Claims must be submitted within 12 months

Eligibility Criteria

To receive benefits under RGSKY, individuals must meet specific eligibility conditions related to their employment history and unemployment reasons. These criteria ensure that the scheme supports those who are genuinely in need.

The insured person (IP) must have contributed for at least two years under the E.S.I scheme.
The IP should have made contributions for at least 156 days in two consecutive contribution periods.
Eligible due to involuntary unemployment due to retrenchment, factory closure, or permanent disability of 40% or more.

What Are The Benefits Of The Rajiv Gandhi Yojana?

RGSKY provides financial and non-financial benefits to insured individuals, helping them manage unemployment while offering additional support to enhance their skills and maintain well-being.

Financial assistance:

50% of the last average daily wages for the first year.
25% of the previous average daily wages for the next year.

Medical care: Insured persons and their dependents remain without medical benefits.

Skill development: Chance to join vocational training courses for up to one year in any government-recognised or reputed private institution.

Features

The scheme includes unique features designed to provide a robust safety net for unemployed insured persons, extend the benefit period, and offer opportunities for skill enhancement during challenging times.

Launched to help provide a safety net for those people from the insured base facing unemployment.
Extension of the benefit period from 12 months to 24 months.
Making an opportunity for skill upgrading during the unemployment period.
Submission of a claim during 9 to 12 months.

What is The Application Process For The Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana?

Applying for RGSKY is simple. Eligible individuals can follow a few steps to ensure their application is complete and submitted correctly to the ESIC office.

How to Submit the Claim

Online: You can apply through the official ESIC website.
Offline: Get the claim form from the ESIC website or visit the nearest ESIC branch office.
Submission: Send the filled form with documents to the nearest ESIC branch office either by post or by visiting in person.

Waiting Period

The unemployment allowance will be available 30 days after you lose your job.

Claim Verification

The ESIC will check your documents and details. If everything is correct, your claim will be approved, and the allowance will be sent to your bank account.

How Much & For How Long

For the first 12 months, you’ll get 50% of your average daily wage.
For the next 12 months, you’ll get 25% of your daily wage.
You can get the allowance for up to 2 years.

Extra Benefits

You and your family can continue to get free medical care from ESI hospitals or dispensaries during this period.
You may also get free vocational training to learn new skills. ESIC will pay for the training fees and your travel costs.

What Are The Documents Required For The Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana?

Applicants must provide specific documents to confirm their eligibility and process their claims. These documents establish proof of insurance, unemployment, and other necessary details.

ESIC insurance card
Proof of unemployment (retrenchment letter or factory closure notice)
Medical certificate (in case of permanent disablement)
Bank account particulars
Proof of contribution payment

When Benefits Stop?

The benefits under RGSKY are provided for a limited duration and end upon certain conditions, such as re-employment or reaching the scheme's maximum entitlement period.

Gets a job again.
Retires.
Has a 24-month maximum period of entitlement.

Conclusion

The Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana supports insured persons against unemployment. With cash assistance, medical support, and skill development, the government scheme is meant to give workers a safety net to assist them in transitioning through tough times. The fact that the scheme itself embodies the government’s commitment to social security and the welfare of the working masses is something to take note of.

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