Whether ESIC Coverage Is Possible To Less Than 10 Member Unit

Sir,
one of my client is running a machining,turning and processing unit. His total employment strength is below 10 members.now, the principal employer asked to get/register with esic. My question is.
1) my client is elgible for registration even below 10 members
2)if not, what is alternative source?
3)if the esic accept our application for registration

Dear Member,
The implementation of Employees' State Insurance Act in any factory/establishment is compulsory and employment of minimum number of 10 or more persons is required in order to obtain Code Number. The coverage is not optional.
However, in respect of Immediate employer (contractor), compliance can be made on the code number allotted to principal employer provided his unit alongwith the employees of the contractor are otherwise coverable in the said Act.