Are Private Matriculation Schools Required to Follow PF & ESI Acts? Seeking Guidance

Are private matriculation schools covered under the PF & ESI Acts or not? Kindly guide me.

Regards,
basupasu

Sir, the above statement that educational institutions are not covered under the ESI Act appears to be totally false and baseless. As far as I understand, a majority of State Governments have extended the provisions of the ESI Act, 1948 to educational institutions employing 10 or more persons. It will be more appropriate if the position is confirmed from the appropriate Regional/Sub-Regional Office of ESIC in the jurisdiction of which the unit is located.

PF Applicability for Private Schools

As far as my knowledge goes, PF is applicable to your establishment under Section 1(3) of the Act once your establishment crosses an employee strength of 19 for the first time. The employee strength will include all employees working at all levels, such as teachers, support staff, peons, cleaning staff, and security guards, even if they are hired through a contractor.

ESI Applicability for Non-Manufacturing Concerns

For ESI applicability, your establishment is not a manufacturing concern, and hence the limit of 10 employees is not applicable. Being a non-manufacturing concern, the applicability depends on the state in which your establishment is located. State-wise, the category of establishments and the employee limit is specified for non-manufacturing enterprises.

Note that if your school has a canteen within the premises employing more than 10 employees, ESI will be applicable to that canteen, considering that it is a manufacturing activity.

Hope that it helps.

Regards

ESIC/EPF both are applicable to educational institutes/schools.