📜 Introduction

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has officially notified the extension of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948 to additional districts of Nagaland, marking another milestone in the nationwide expansion of social-security benefits for workers.

With effect from 1 November 2025, the Act will apply to the entire areas of the following nine districts:

Tuensang, Mon, Phek, Kiphire, Peren, Longleng, Shamator, Noklak and Meluri.

This notification ensures that eligible employees and employers operating in these districts become part of the ESIC social-security network, gaining access to medical, sickness, maternity, disablement, dependants’, and other benefits under the Act.

⚖️ Legal Basis

The Government has invoked the following provisions of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (Act No. 34 of 1948):

• Sections 38 to 43 – Compulsory insurance and contribution obligations.
• Sections 45A to 45H – Assessment of contributions, inspection, and penalties for non-compliance.
• Sections 46 to 75 – Benefits (medical, sickness, maternity, disablement, dependants’, funeral, etc.).
• Section 76 (2) to (4) – Constitution and powers of ESI Courts.
• Sections 82 and 83 – Bar of jurisdiction and protection to officers for acts done in good faith.

These sections collectively operationalise the core functioning of the ESI scheme—mandatory registration, contributions, benefits, and dispute-resolution mechanisms.

🌍 Districts Covered Under the Notification

🧾 Key Provisions for Employers

From 1 November 2025, every establishment situated in these districts must –

1. Register the Establishment
   • Apply online via the ESIC portal and obtain an ESI Code Number.
   • Register all eligible employees (earning up to the prescribed wage limit).
2. Commence Monthly Contributions
   • Deduct 0.75 % (employee share) and pay 3.25 % (employer share) of gross wages.
   • File ECR (Electronic Challan-cum-Return) and make payment before the due date.
3. Display Statutory Notices
   • Exhibit ESIC information at the workplace in English and the local language.
4. Maintain Registers and Records
   • Keep employee attendance, wage, and contribution records available for inspection.
5. Ensure Contract Labour Coverage
   • Principal employers must verify that contractors register and deposit ESI contributions for their workers.
6. Update Payroll and Compliance Calendars
   • Incorporate ESI parameters from the wage period commencing on or after 1 November 2025.

💠 Benefits to Employees and Insured Persons

The extension of the ESI Act guarantees access to the following benefits:

🧮 Compliance Timeline

🏢 Who Is Covered?

• All factories and establishments employing 10 or more persons in the notified districts.
• Certain categories may also be covered as shops, restaurants, hotels, cinemas, road-transport, educational or medical institutions, as per previous ESIC notifications in the State.
• Wage ceiling for coverage remains ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for employees with disabilities).

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. From which date will ESI deduction start in Nagaland districts?
👉 From the first wage period commencing on or after 1 November 2025.

Q2. Does this apply to contract employees too?
✅ Yes. Principal employers must ensure coverage for contract and outsourced workers.

Q3. What if the establishment fails to register in time?
⚠️ Non-registration or non-payment may lead to interest, damages, and penal prosecution under Sections 85 and 85A of the ESI Act.

Q4. Can existing employees be registered after 1 Nov 2025?
Yes—but contributions and benefits will be counted prospectively. Timely registration is advised to avoid liability.

📈 Impact on Nagaland’s Workforce

This expansion of the ESI network is a progressive step towards universal social-security coverage for workers in India’s North-East region.
Employers gain structured medical support for their staff, while employees and families receive comprehensive health protection at nominal contribution rates.

🏁 Conclusion

The notification effective from 1 November 2025 brings nine districts of Nagaland under the ESI umbrella, ensuring that more workers enjoy medical and social security benefits.
Employers should immediately initiate registration and update their HR systems to align with the new requirements.

🪪 Reference

• Notification: Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948 – Implementation in Nine Districts of Nagaland
• Issuing Authority: Ministry of Labour & Employment, Government of India
• Effective Date: 1 November 2025

Effective from 1st November 2025)

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, through its latest Gazette Notification dated 17th October 2025, has extended the provisions of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act) to several districts of Meghalaya, marking a major step in expanding the reach of social security benefits in the North-Eastern region.

📅 Effective Date of Implementation

The Central Government has appointed 1st November 2025 as the date from which specific provisions of the ESI Act shall come into force in the following districts of Meghalaya:

• West Garo Hills
• South Garo Hills
• North Garo Hills
• East Garo Hills
• South West Garo Hills
• West Jaintia Hills

This expansion brings all industrial, commercial, and eligible establishments within these districts under the ESI coverage.

⚖️ Provisions Enforced

From 1st November 2025, the following provisions of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 shall be applicable in the notified areas:

🏢 Applicability & Coverage

1️⃣ Establishment Coverage

• All factories and establishments (industrial or commercial) employing 10 or more persons using power, or 20 or more persons without power, as per ESI Act definitions.
• The Act applies irrespective of wages to determine coverage; however, employee contributions are applicable only for employees earning wages up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for employees with disabilities).

2️⃣ Employee Eligibility

• Every employee whose wages (excluding overtime) do not exceed the prescribed ceiling will be covered.
• Employers must ensure proper registration of all such eligible employees on the ESIC portal.

💼 Employer’s Action Points

Employers operating in the above-mentioned districts must take the following actions to ensure timely compliance from November 2025:

🧾 Benefits to Insured Employees

Once registered under the ESI scheme, insured persons and their dependants become entitled to a wide range of medical and cash benefits, including:

🏛️ Administrative Jurisdiction

The implementation will fall under the administrative supervision of the ESIC Regional Office, Guwahati, and its Local Office network. Employers in Meghalaya may coordinate with their nearest ESIC Office for code allotment, branch office linkage, and dispensary mapping.

📢 Key Compliance Reminder

✅ The first ESI Contribution for the notified Meghalaya districts shall become due for the wage month of November 2025, and must be deposited by 15th December 2025 along with the Monthly Contribution filing on the ESIC portal.

Failure to comply may attract penalties under Section 85 of the ESI Act, including fines and prosecution.

🌐 Summary Table

🧭 PCS Compliance Insight

With this extension, the ESI Act coverage now expands deeper into the North-Eastern region, ensuring social security for a larger workforce.
Employers in the newly notified areas should immediately begin groundwork for registration, record preparation, and employee onboarding to avoid last-minute non-compliance.

PCS recommends initiating a pre-implementation compliance audit in October 2025 to verify readiness for ESIC deductions, portal setup, and wage register updates.

✍️ Disclaimer

This article is intended for informational purposes only. Employers are advised to refer to the official Gazette notification dated 17th October 2025 and consult with compliance professionals for case-specific applicability.