Hi,
ESIC specifies the coverage limits for establishments based on their facilities being extended easily. The coverage areas are under zones, namely Zone 1, Zone 2, and Zone 3. Zone 1 and 2 are the areas coming under Municipal Corp, while Zone 2 comprises Nagar Parishad and Cantonment areas. Zone 3 is the area outside the limits of Zone 1 and Zone 2.
Consequently, as per the ESIC Act, it is mandatory for establishments to register under ESIC if they fall in Zone 1 or Zone 2. For the rest of the areas, ESIC does not impose its mandate. However, as per governing labor law and for the welfare and protection of employees, employees need to be insured under the EC Act. The ESIC Act has limits for insurance coverage for employees based on salary, which is below 15,000 per month. Similarly, the EC Act specifies minimum limits but not the maximum limit for insurance coverage as premium and has also defined the benefits under the Act.
Also, please note that not only contractual employees are required to be brought under this coverage, but all employees who are eligible and fall under the terms of these two Acts.
Thanks,
Bijay