ESI Coverage - Esi Issue

Hi Seniors,
This is Rama, here I am posting one issue which is not getting the answer from concern persons. Can any one help me on this.
we are the manufacturers under SEZ, we are started the company in 2011, still our area not covered under ESI, I heard that if the ESI is not covered, then we can use any nearest location to us to get coverage. we are paying GPA to our employees but medical coverage not applicable.
so any one can help to to give the solution, what is the correct process.
Regards,
Ramadevi.

Dear Rama,
There are many parts of the country not covered by ESI. In such places the option is to go for mediclaim/group personal accident/WC. You may approach any of the Government Insurance co for the schemes. But as and when ESI coverage is introduced it is mandatory to switch to ESI.

Pleasee write a letter to The Regional Director seeking clarification. In case on a later date when an inspector or SSO of ESIC comes you can be comfortable. Taking a Policy to protect the employer from W C Act for the present is aufficient.

Please read the last word as SUFFICIENT. Further please add in the letter a request to inform your company whenever ESIC notifies the area as covered.

Dear Seniors,
Thanks to all of you for your early response, yes we had taken GPA for all our employees.But in this policy is not covered the medi claim, its only personal accident benefit only.
please let me know is there any source, because company is not ready to provide Group medical insurance, because it's cost seems high.
So please suggest the best.
Regards,
Ramadevi.

If ESI Act is not applicable WC Act becomes applicable. Hence you need to obtain ONLY WC policy. No other policy can cover liabilities, if any, arising out of employment injury. WC policy can be discussed with any general insurance agent. Advising this as you are sure that your establishment in 'uncovered' area of ESI, If you want to cover employees under mediclaim that is a separate benefit that you may extend.

why you are concerned about providing Mediclaim In case you doubt about legal obligation it is a big no. Medi claim may lead to unwanted IR issues also.

Your head office or branch is covered area ,use that code to cover to employee in esi.