Can Independent Transcriptionists Working from Home Qualify for PF & ESI Benefits?

We have certain independent transcriptionist professionals who work from home and are paid based on lines. Can anybody clarify whether such independent transcriptionist professionals can ever be categorized for PF & ESI applicability purposes? Note: they can work with multiple companies as well.

Dear Daya, it's dependent on the appointment letter you have provided. Second, if anybody is working for more than one company, then PF & ESI will not be applicable. If there is anything else, please let me know. Regards

Is he/she an employee of the organization? As you mentioned that payment is based on the number of lines translated, I feel it might be considered as outsourcing the process. In that case, you should consider him/her as a consultant. You can then pay a professional fee, and there would be no need for ESI & PF.

Please let me know if you need further clarification or assistance.

Regards