ESI Deduction Confusion for Solar Workers in Lucknow: Can WCT Be a Substitute?

ESI Deduction Concerns for Solar Energy Company in Lucknow

Hi, I am working with a company that deals in solar energy in Lucknow. For this, we hired technicians/helpers from another manpower solution company. I recently joined this company, having previously worked in Gurgaon. Upon checking with the manpower solution company, I found that they are not deducting ESI for employees with a gross salary of less than ₹15,000. They claimed that ESI is not applicable in the areas where the employees are posted, specifically in the Hardoi district, which is also in UP. However, I pointed out that they were hired in Lucknow, which has ESI hospitals. Therefore, I questioned why they are not deducting ESI, as it reduces uncertain liability for the employer and provides benefits to the employees. Can we deduct the WCT in place of ESI in LKO?

Can you please help me?

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Nitin Dwivedi
[Phone Number Removed For Privacy Reasons]

Coverage of Contractor Employees Under ESI Act

1. All employees engaged on a contract basis and working in any covered factory or establishment situated in the implemented area, namely Lucknow, are covered under the ESI Act, 1948, and the rules and regulations framed thereunder. The contractor employees will be covered along with the main employees of the factory or establishment for which they are working, as long as they continue to work in the said factory.

2. In case the contractor employees are working in another place, such as Hardoi as you have mentioned, it would be better to confirm with the Branch Office Manager or SSO of ESIC in your area whether the said area (Hardoi) is an implemented area or not. Then, the issue can be decided accordingly.