What is ESI registration?

The employee state insurance (ESI) is managed and regulated by the Employee State Insurance Corporation which is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India. The ESI scheme was started for the Indian Employees that provided monetary, medical, and other benefits from the employer to the employee.

Currently any factor or employment or any establishment that has employed over 10 employees with a minimum salary of Rs. 21,000 has to mandatorily register itself with the ESIC.

Who is eligible to obtain ESI registration in India?

To be eligible for ESI registration is to have more than 10 workers. In some regions, ESI registration is possible for establishments only if there are more than 20 employees. Here are some other criteria that need to be satisfied for obtaining ESI registration.

An employee whose gross salary is up to Rs. 21,000 per month can avail of this with the help of the employer.
The establishment is registered with the EPFO.
The total contribution to ESI is 6.5% of the gross salary and it can be further divided as:
- 4.75% by the employer
- 1.75% of the employee
For industrial units where there are chances of occurrence of injury or health issues all the employees with a salary less than Rs.21,000 compulsorily need to get ESI registration.

Documents required for obtaining ESI registration.

Registration Certificate of the Shops and Establishment Acts.

Factories Act

Address proof of Principal place of business

Copy of PAN Card

Bank statement (Latest)

Memorandum and Articles of Association or the partnership deed or trust deed depending on the nature of the entity.

Certificate of Commencement registration no

Benefits of ESI registration in India

ESI registration allows the employees to enjoy a lot of benefits under the Employees State Insurance corporation scheme.

Medical Aid-From the very first day of employment the registered ESI members and the family members enjoy the benefits of complete medical care and insurance. Retired members and permanently disabled insured persons and their spouses can also avail medical care on payment of an annual premium of Rs.120.
Maternity benefit- Pregnant women can avail of maternity benefits that are payable up to twenty-six weeks. This maternity leave period can be extended on medical advice by 30 days at the rate of full wage subject to contribution for 70 days in the preceding year.
Disablement benefit- From the day of the employees irrespective of having done any contribution, 90% of the wage is payable as long as the temporary disability continues. Permanent disablement benefit is payable at 90% of the wage as a monthly payment.
Sickness benefits- Absent at work due to illness is allowed for a maximum of 91 days per year along with 70% of the monthly wages.
Dependent benefits- In case of the sudden demise of an employee during the employment, the dependents of the deceased employee will receive 90% of his or her monthly salary.
Funeral expenses- The family members of the deceased employees are entitled to an additional amount of Rs.10,000 for the funeral expenses.
Confinement expenses-Confinement expenses can be availed in case of confinement of an insured woman or wife of the employee with no medical facilities under the ESI scheme.

Here are some need-based benefits:

Vocational Rehabilitation: Permanently physically challenged employees who are insured are entitled to vocational rehabilitation training at VRS.
Physical Rehabilitation:Can be availed by the employees in case of physical disablement or injury or hazards due to employment.
Old Age Medical Care:By the annual payment of Rs.120 medical care benefits can be availed for the ESI employees or for those who are opting for VRS/ERS. The members who retiring on account of permanent disability can also avail themselves the same.
Extended Sickness Benefits:Insured employees who are suffering from chronic diseases can avail of the extended sickness benefit up to 2 years, the sick leave of 91 days should be expired.
Enhanced Sickness Benefit:Enhanced sickness benefit was an encouragement measure for ESI employees to undergo vasectomy or tubectomy for the welfare of the family. Extension of this benefit can be availed in case there are post-operative complications.