Seeking Insights on ESIC Medical Benefits and Exemptions: How Does Your Company Compare?

Dear friends,

I am seeking inputs to prepare a document for the management and employees on the benefits under the ESIC scheme, specifically the medical benefits provided by the company. I have collected information from the Act and as stated in their state. I would appreciate it if any of you could share your views and comments on the comparative benefits that you have analyzed on this topic.

I would also like to know if any of your companies have been provided exemptions from the applicability of the act by virtue of implementing and providing more/equal benefits through mediclaim, accident benefit, hospitalization plan, company doctor, reimbursements of all expenses, etc.

Looking forward to your inputs. Based on the information received, I shall make the analysis available here for the reference of the fraternity.

Regards,
Sasi

Dear Sasi,

Please note that the ESIC salary slab has increased to Rs. 10,000 per month gross salary.

FYI.

Dear Sasi,

Yes, exemption can be sought from ESI if your organization has medical facilities being provided to employees that are better than the ESI facility. To request this exemption, you will need to write to the Ministry of Labour. They will send you a form to be filled out, which will require various details about your organization and the medical facilities you offer to your employees that you believe surpass the ESI. Along with the form, you can attach copies of your medical policies, which can be from your policy manual or staff handbook.

Once the form is submitted to the ministry, they may consider your request and grant you exemption. However, please note that the process can be lengthy, and exemptions are typically granted for only a year, requiring renewal annually. The Ministry publishes a Gazette listing the organizations that have been granted exemption.

Obtaining an exemption for the first time may involve an inspection by the Ministry and significant documentation. Once obtained, the key is to maintain compliance and update policies regularly.

Exemption procedures may be somewhat easier for companies that are PSUs or semi-government entities. As my company was a PSU, I am familiar with the procedures followed there.

I hope this clarifies your query.

Thanks and regards,

Rekha