The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act, 1948)

The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, commonly known as the ESI Act, is a social security legislation in India that provides medical and other social benefits to insured employees and their dependents. Here’s a quick overview:

Objectives:

• Provide financial assistance to employees during sickness, maternity, and employment injury.
• Offer medical care to insured employees and their families.
• Promote preventive healthcare and improve the health standards of insured workers.

Who is covered?

The ESI Act applies to all employees working in factories or establishments employing 10 or more persons engaged in certain industries listed under the Act. This includes establishments in manufacturing, mining, transportation, healthcare, and other sectors.

Benefits:

• Sickness Benefit: Employees receive a cash allowance during periods of sickness, up to a certain limit.
• Maternity Benefit: Female employees receive financial assistance and paid leave during pregnancy and childbirth.
• Employment Injury Benefit: Employees receive compensation for temporary or permanent disability due to employment injury.
• Medical Benefit: Insured employees and their dependents receive free medical treatment from ESI hospitals and dispensaries.
• Dependent Benefit: Families of deceased employees can receive a survivor’s pension.

Contributions:

Both employees and employers contribute a fixed percentage of the employee’s wages towards the ESI scheme. The contributions are deposited with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which administers the scheme.

Key Features:

• Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC): A statutory body responsible for administering the ESI scheme.
• Medical Network: Extensive network of hospitals and dispensaries across India providing free medical care to insured persons.
• Online Services: ESIC offers various online services like registration, claim filing, and payment tracking.

Further Resources:

Official Website of ESIC: https://www.esic.gov.in/

ESI Act, 1948: https://www.esic.nic.in/Tender/ESIAct1948Amendedupto010610.pdf

List of Covered Industries: https://www.esic.gov.in/contribution

Feel free to ask if you have any specific questions about the ESI Act or any of its provisions.