Navigating ESI Returns: Do Branches Need Original Documents for Submission?

Dear All,

Our head office is in Chennai, and we have around 8 branches in India. Around 30 people fall under the ESI slab, so we registered ourselves and obtained the main code and sub-code numbers. Now, my query is regarding the half-yearly returns. We had submitted our half-yearly returns at the Chennai ESIC office, and a photocopy was taken and sent to all the branches. I asked them to submit the returns at their respective ESIC offices. However, the ESIC office in Hyderabad is requesting the original returns. I am unclear on how we can submit the original returns branch-wise. Is it mandatory to submit the original returns?

Please assist me with this matter.

Thank you.

Dear [User],

You must submit the half-yearly returns according to the sub-code number allotted. Is that mandatory as per the ESIC Act, 1948?

Regards,

Prema,

In the ideal situation, ESIC Chennai should share the information. Since the system is not online as of now, sometimes information is not available with the regional office. Therefore, it is always advisable to submit the bi-annual return at the respective location.

From my personal experience, it is essential to submit the bi-annual return at the respective location, as your employees will be claiming facilities from the local office only. Additionally, submit the challan individually. For example, if you have codes for three different locations, submit three challans as the original needs to be attached with the return.

While we submit the monthly challan centrally (location-wise), the return goes to a different location. I understand it can be challenging, but it will take some time for all locations to be available online.