Sick Leave and ESIC: Is It Fair to Deduct Pay for a Single Day Off?

In our organization, an employee who is under ESIC, when he avails of sick leave, even for a day, it is considered as LWP. The reason is that the day's salary is to be recovered from the ESIC Department. The employee receives only a part of the day's salary after 4 months, after several follow-ups. Is this right? Can you please help me?

Definition of 'Sickness' Under the Act

Section 2(20) of the Act defines 'sickness' as "a condition which requires medical treatment and attendance and necessitates abstention from work on medical grounds."

So, a condition which requires medical treatment and attendance alone but not abstention from work on medical grounds, and a condition which necessitates abstention from work on medical grounds but does not require medical treatment and attendance, is not deemed 'sickness,' and sickness benefit is not payable.

ESI Compensation and Employee Rights

Only 50% of salary may be received by an employee as ESI compensation. If he receives a claim from ESIC, you should mark ESIC treatment for him.

Your organization is smartly manipulating this definition. The number of leaves your company allows and the types of leaves your organization offers also establish the rights of employees.

Choice of Medical Aid and Its Implications

It may also depend on the employee at the time of treatment whether he uses ESI medical aid or an outside medical practitioner. If he chooses the second option, he may claim SL, and ESIC is not liable to pay the sickness benefit.

Regards,
Manish Bali