Attendees of the special awareness programme on the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme. (DIPR Photo)
KOHIMA, AUGUST 31 (MExN): A special awareness programme on the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme was organized by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, in collaboration with the State Labour Department. The event took place in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Employment, Skill Development, and Entrepreneurship in Kohima, and was chaired by Neimenuo, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima.
In his opening remarks, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori emphasized the significance of the ESI Scheme. He noted that despite its implementation in Kohima in 2019, there is still limited awareness among the local population. Nguori urged for more awareness programs to encourage registration under the scheme.
L. Tsanglao, Deputy Director of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and Coordination Officer for Nagaland, served as the resource person for the event. Through a detailed PowerPoint presentation, he highlighted the key aspects of the ESI Scheme, which is the first major legislation on social security for workers in India, established under the ESI Act of 1948.
Tsanglao explained that the ESI Scheme provides comprehensive social security to workers in the organized sector and their dependent families, offering both cash and medical benefits. The scheme covers primary, secondary, and super specialty treatments through both its own healthcare facilities and tie-up hospitals. He outlined various cash benefits, including wage compensation during sickness, employment injury, disablement, maternity, and death in the course of employment. Additional benefits include funeral expenses, medical care for retired insured persons, and educational opportunities for the wards of insured persons under the ESIC Quota in ESIC-run medical colleges.
The ESI Act applies to factories and establishments such as hotels, restaurants, cinemas, newspapers, shops, and private educational and medical institutions employing 10 or more workers, with a wage limit of Rs. 21,000 (up to Rs. 25,000 for persons with disabilities). Tsanglao also informed that employers who register under the scheme are exempt from certain liabilities, such as providing medical facilities, and are absolved from the applicability of the Maternity Benefit Act and Employees Compensation Act. Additionally, contributions under the ESI Act are exempt from the Income Tax Act.
Employers with 10 or more employees are mandated to register under the scheme through the SHRAM-SUVIDHA Portal, obtain an Employer's code, and register all employees with a wage ceiling limit of Rs. 21,000. The employees' insurance numbers generated through this process are valid for their lifetime.
The discussion session was led by Tsanglao and K. Guite, Branch Manager of ESIC, Dimapur. Avile Vitso, Joint Labour Commissioner, Nagaland, and CEO of the ESI Scheme in Nagaland, concluded the program by thanking all participants and urging them to register under the scheme. She also requested attendees to help spread the message further, providing contact details for officials available to assist with registration and address grievances.
The event concluded with a free health checkup camp led by Dr. Kenei, Insurance Medical Officer, ESI Scheme Dispensary, Kohima.
