The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme is a self-financing social security and health insurance scheme for Indian workers. Administered by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the ESI scheme provides medical and financial benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity, disability, or death due to employment injury. For employers in India, ESI registration is mandatory once they meet certain criteria, ensuring that their employees are covered under this important social security scheme.
To determine whether a business is required to register under the ESI scheme, certain conditions must be met:
Contribution Requirements: Both the employer and the employee contribute to the ESI scheme. The employer contributes 4% of the employee’s gross monthly salary, while the employee contributes 0.75%. However, employees earning ₹176 or less per day are exempted from their contribution.
ESI registration provides several advantages to both employers and employees. Here’s why you should consider registering for ESI:
Enhanced Reputation: Employers who provide ESI coverage are often viewed more favorably by potential employees and business partners. It demonstrates a commitment to the welfare of workers, which can enhance the company’s reputation and attract better talent.
The process of registering for ESI is straightforward, provided you have the necessary documents ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
ESI registration is more than just a statutory obligation; it is a crucial aspect of employee welfare in India. By ensuring that your business is ESI-compliant, you not only fulfill your legal duties but also contribute to the overall health and well-being of your workforce. With the right documentation and timely registration, you can smoothly integrate ESI benefits into your business operations, fostering a healthier and more secure work environment for your employees.
ESI registration is mandatory for establishments employing 10 or more employees (or 20 in some states) who earn a gross monthly salary of ₹21,000 or less.
You can apply for ESI registration online through the official ESIC portal. The process involves filling out the necessary forms and submitting the required documents.
No, ESI is required only for employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month. Employees earning above this threshold are not eligible for ESI benefits.
Employees covered under ESI are entitled to a range of benefits, including medical care, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, disability benefits, and dependents’ benefits in case of death due to employment injury.
Once you submit the application with all required documents, ESI registration typically takes 5-7 working days.
Yes, failure to register under ESI when required can lead to penalties, fines, and legal action. The ESIC may impose penalties for non-compliance, and employers may also face prosecution.
Yes, businesses with fewer than 10 employees can voluntarily register under ESI to provide benefits to their workers, although it is not mandatory.
Once registered, if an employee’s salary exceeds ₹21,000, they will continue to be covered under ESI until the end of that contribution period. After that, they will no longer be required to contribute.
You can update your ESI registration details online through the ESIC portal by logging into your account and making the necessary changes.