Navigating Maternity Benefits and Shop Act: How Can HR Handle These Challenges?

Hi all, I'm working as an HR executive in a Chennai-based startup. I have a few queries based on maternity benefits and the Shop and Establishment Act:

Maternity benefits without ESI
1. How can a woman employee avail maternity benefits without ESI?

Insurance policies instead of ESI
2. My organization is looking for some insurance policies instead of ESI. Is that possible?

Shop and Establishment Act registration
3. My organization started its operation on April 18 and is not yet registered under the Shop and Establishment Act. What is the procedure to register, and what registers need to be maintained?

Registers to be maintained
4. My organization currently has 6 employees. I would like to know what registers need to be maintained as an HR.

Thank you.

Please find replies to your queries below:

How can a female employee avail maternity benefits without ESI?

All the due benefits will be covered by the employer.

Alternative insurance policies instead of ESI

It is possible only if your area is not covered under ESIC regulations or if the salary is above the statutory limit of 21,000/- for employees. In that case, you can opt for a Workmen's Compensation policy.

Registration under the Shop and Establishment Act

Please visit the relevant office or their website to obtain comprehensive information on registration requirements and the registers to be maintained.

Registers to be maintained for an organization with 6 employees

A list of documents to be maintained is available online on various websites such as EPFO, ESIC, etc.

Thank you.