Understanding ESI: Are Medical Leave Days Mandatory for Covered Employees?

Dear Seniors and friends,

I wish to know the medical leave privileges for employees who are covered under ESI. Is it mandatory to include medical/sick leave in the leave package of employees who are covered under ESI? If so, what is the minimum number of days for medical leave?

Thanks,
Shijit.

An employee covered under ESI is availing medical leave/sick leave from the ESI. Therefore, it is not actually necessary to give medical leave to such employees. However, Shops and Establishments Acts of some states (like Kerala Shops and Commercial Establishments Act) require every employee to be given 12 days of sick leave. This is because initially ESI was applicable only to factories, and it was only after the enactment of the Shops Act that the ESI became applicable to shops and establishments. Now the employees covered by ESI will get ESI sick leave for which there is no limit and the sick leave as permissible under the Shops and Establishments Act. However, under the Factories Act, there is no such medical leave.

Regards, Madhu.T.K