Introduction to ESI Scheme

The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme is one of the most crucial social security schemes implemented by the Government of India, aimed at providing medical and financial benefits to workers in India. Under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, the scheme serves to protect workers in times of need by offering benefits related to sickness, maternity, employment injury, and death. It also extends medical benefits to the insured workers and their families. Administered by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), this scheme plays a significant role in the welfare of workers in both organized and semi-organized sectors across the country.

Recent Development: ESI Scheme in Manipur

In a recent notification issued by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, the medical benefits of the ESI scheme have been extended to six additional districts in the state of Manipur, effective from August 1, 2024. This extension comes under Section 1(3) of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948. The districts that will now be covered under this scheme include:

1. Bishnupur
2. Senapati
3. Ukhrul
4. Kangpokpi
5. Churachandpur
6. Thoubal

This marks a significant step in enhancing social security coverage for the working class in the state, particularly in areas that were previously non-notified.

Understanding the Applicability of ESI in Manipur

Before this extension, the ESI scheme was applicable to a limited number of districts in Manipur. However, with the government’s aim to increase the outreach of social welfare schemes across the country, this expansion ensures that workers in these six districts can now benefit from the ESI scheme, offering comprehensive healthcare and financial assistance.

Key Benefits of ESI Scheme for Workers in the Newly Covered Districts

Workers in the newly added districts can now avail several benefits under the ESI scheme, including:

1. Medical Benefits: The insured persons and their family members will have access to complete medical care at ESIC hospitals, dispensaries, and empaneled hospitals. This covers not only basic medical treatment but also specialized services like diagnostics, surgeries, and hospitalization.
2. Sickness Benefits: In case of illness or sickness, workers can claim compensation for the days they are unable to work. This provides financial security and ensures that families are supported during the worker’s period of sickness.
3. Maternity Benefits: Female employees are entitled to maternity benefits under the ESI Act. This includes maternity leave with pay for a specified period, ensuring the financial well-being of the mother during and after childbirth.
4. Disablement and Injury Benefits: In cases where workers suffer injuries or disabilities due to employment-related accidents, the ESI scheme provides compensation. Temporary disablement results in payment during the treatment period, while permanent disablement is compensated based on the percentage of loss of earning capacity.
5. Dependents’ Benefit: If an insured worker dies due to employment injury, the dependents of the deceased are entitled to monthly pensions to support the family.
6. Funeral Expenses: The ESI scheme also covers funeral expenses, ensuring that the family of the deceased insured person is provided with financial assistance to conduct the funeral.

ESI Hospitals and Infrastructure in Manipur

The extension of the ESI scheme to the six districts means that workers will now have access to healthcare services at ESIC-run hospitals, dispensaries, and tie-up hospitals in these districts. The existing infrastructure in Manipur includes primary healthcare facilities and tie-ups with private hospitals to provide specialized treatments.

Workers in these regions can contact the nearest ESIC office to get detailed information about empaneled hospitals and healthcare facilities. Additionally, for emergencies and queries, insured persons can use the ESIC toll-free number (1800-11-2526) to obtain assistance regarding medical care.

How to Avail ESI Benefits in Manipur

Employees in the newly covered districts should follow these steps to start availing themselves of the benefits of the ESI scheme:

1. Registration of Employers and Employees: Employers in the notified areas of Bishnupur, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Thoubal must register themselves with the ESIC. All employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month must also be registered under the scheme.
2. Contribution Payment: Both the employer and employee contribute to the ESI fund. The employer’s share is 3.25%, while the employee contributes 0.75% of their monthly wage. These contributions go toward funding the medical and financial benefits under the ESI scheme.
3. Smart Cards for Insured Persons: Once registered, insured persons are provided with an ESIC smart card (Pehchan card). This card contains vital information about the insured person and their family and is used to avail medical services at ESIC dispensaries, hospitals, and tie-up hospitals.
4. Claiming Benefits: For medical benefits, insured persons can visit any ESIC hospital or dispensary and present their Pehchan card. In case of sickness, maternity, disablement, or death, insured persons or their dependents can file claims at their nearest ESIC branch office.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the expansion of the ESI scheme in Manipur is a commendable step, there may be challenges associated with infrastructure and outreach in remote areas. It is essential that ESIC ensures timely provision of healthcare services, availability of medicines, and continuous upgradation of healthcare infrastructure to meet the increasing demands in the newly covered districts.

At the same time, this expansion offers tremendous opportunities for the working-class population in Manipur. With access to quality healthcare and financial protection, workers in these districts can enjoy a better standard of living and financial security. It also strengthens the trust between the government and the labour force, contributing to the overall growth and productivity of the state.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Bishnupur, Senapati, Ukhrul, Kangpokpi, Churachandpur, and Thoubal districts under the ESI scheme from August 1, 2024, is a progressive move that brings much-needed healthcare and financial security to thousands of workers in Manipur. By extending these benefits, the Government of India reaffirms its commitment to social security and welfare for workers across the country. The ESI scheme remains a vital instrument in protecting workers, especially in regions that are yet to fully develop healthcare infrastructure. Workers in these districts should take advantage of the ESI scheme and ensure their registration to secure the medical and financial benefits available under the law.

For further information, workers can reach out to the nearest ESIC office or call the toll-free number 1800-11-2526. More details on eligibility, registration, and services are available on the official ESIC website.