aggarwaldivya411The Employees State Insurance (ESI) is one of the most acknowledged schemes offered by the government of India to provide socio-economic protection to the working class. Envisioned under the Employees State Insurance Act, of 1948, the ESI scheme presents a plethora of benefits like sick pay, cashless health insurance, maternity pay, disability pay, and more. Employees and their dependents are thus given comprehensive medical coverage and various other associated benefits. So how does one go about registering for the ESI scheme? The following guide provides a detailed look at how both employers and employees can register under this beneficial scheme.
For Employers:
The enrollment process for employers under the Employees State Insurance Act is quite straightforward. However, it is worth noting that the scheme is applicable only to certain establishments that employ ten or more people.
1. Online Registration:
The employer needs to visit the ESIC Portal (www.esic.in) and fill out the ‘Employer Registration Form’ available under the ‘Sign up’ section.
2. Documentation:
Necessary documents like the business license, PAN card, proof of business commencement, and bank account details should be ready to upload.
3. Verification:
The regional ESIC office will verify the information submitted. Upon successful examination, a 17-digit identification number is provided.
4. Insurance Numbers for Employees:
Employees can register individually with the employer’s identification number. Each employee will then receive a unique insurance number.
For Employees:
Enrollment under the ESI scheme for employees is conducted by their respective employers. Yet, these are the typical steps that employees should be cognizant of:
1. Document Collection
Right from the first day of employment, the employer will collect the relevant information and documents from the employees. This may include a passport-sized photo, a copy of the employee’s Aadhaar card, and permanent address proof, among other things.
2. Form 1
The employer will provide the employee with ‘Form 1’. This form needs to be filled out accurately.
3. ESI Card
Upon successful submission and validation of ‘Form 1’, an ESI card or ‘Pehchan Card’ is issued to the employee. This card is essential to avail the benefits of the ESI scheme.
4. Insurance Number
Each employee will receive a unique insurance number. This remains constant throughout the lifetime of the employee, regardless of the changes in employment.
Benefits of Registering for ESI
One of the primary advantages of registering under the ESI Act is the cashless health insurance benefit. It allows insured persons and their families to receive necessary medical care without the need to make any upfront payment. With this benefit, employees don’t need to worry about expensive medical treatments and can concentrate on their recovery. Other benefits include unemployment allowance, maternity benefits, disability benefits, and many more.
Conclusion
Registering for the Employees State Insurance scheme is a straightforward process for both employers and employees. It provides comprehensive protection to the working class and their families, thereby making the ESI Act a tremendous social security scheme. Primary benefits like cashless health insurance and disability benefits make the ESI scheme a must-have for eligible employees.
The scheme promises to stand as a strong pillar of support during trying times like illness, disability, or even unemployment. Thus, every employer should prioritize ESI registration to provide their employees with this valuable safety net. While registration is largely an employer-driven process, employees must actively participate and ensure they provide accurate information to take full advantage of the ESI scheme.
