Can We Deduct ESIC for a Worker Earning Over Rs15,000 at a Client Site?

Dear Senior,

Can an employer deduct ESIC of a workman whose salary is more than Rs15,000? As this workman is working at our client site, we need to deposit ESI challan (as ESI is compulsory there) to process our RA Bill. If it is avoided, then what will be the alternative for him? We cannot take WC policy as he is a single workman whose salary crosses the limit.

Please advise.

Sir, coverage under the ESI Act, 1948 is not optional. If an employee is receiving wages exceeding the coverable limit (since the start of the contribution period), then the said employee cannot be covered under the said Act.

Even if it is an unexpected scenario, if he crossed the ESIC limit, you do not need to pay ESIC. If he is the only worker, provide him with some medical insurance and sick leave; it is enough.