Facing ESI Payment Issues from 2011: How Can I Resolve This with Missing Employee Records?

I am working in a logistics company as a Manager-HR & Admin. The company started in the year 2007 and has branches PAN India. In this regard, we approached the ESI office in 2008 and 2009 for ESI applicability and submitted the required documents. However, the concerned person came for inspection in August 2011 and stated that we needed to pay the ESI contributions for the employees and the company from April 2011 to August 2011, along with the company's enrollment number. We have not paid the amount for that period, but have been regularly paying since then. Recently, they sent a letter asking us to explain why we didn't pay for that specific period. We informed them that we had approached the ESI office multiple times in 2008 and 2009, with submission and acknowledgment slips as proof. Additionally, many of the employees from that period have left the organization. Now, my question is where should I go to resolve this issue?

Immediate Payment of ESIC Contributions

In my opinion, it is better to make the payment of contributions immediately to ESIC for which no compliance has been made. This will definitely be followed by the said department issuing demand letters or notices for payment of interest and damages for such delayed payments.

Addressing Non-Payment Justifications

Your points, such as writing letters or visiting ESIC offices, are not justifications or excuses for not paying contributions under the said Act. I believe the most you can demand is suitable action (if your plea is found correct) against the official of the said office who did not respond to your repeated letters/queries. However, the contribution, along with interest and damages, still needs to be paid.

Dear Sandeep,

I completely agree with Mr. Harsh Mehta's comments. In addition to that, can you please check the ESIC? ESIC must have enrolled your organization with effect from April 2011, and thus they are asking for the payment for April to August 2011. The contribution period for ESIC is from April to September, so they have asked you to pay from April 2011.