The recent announcement by the Union Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Shri Santosh Gangwar, regarding the extension of coverage under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESI Act) to casual and contractual workers in municipal bodies across the country is a significant step towards providing social security to a vulnerable segment of the workforce. This decision aims to address the lack of social security benefits for these workers who are not regular employees of municipal bodies.
Key Points:
- The ESI Corporation has been directed to work with the States/UTs to issue notifications for the coverage of casual and contractual workers in municipal bodies.
- The coverage will be extended to workers within the already notified areas under the ESI Act by the Central Government.
- The move will enable casual and contractual employees to access benefits such as sickness, maternity, disablement, dependent's, and funeral expenses under the ESI Act.
- Additionally, these workers will have access to medical services through the extensive network of ESI facilities across the country.
Practical Steps:
1. Keep track of notifications issued by the respective States/UTs regarding ESI coverage for casual and contractual workers in municipal bodies.
2. Ensure that eligible employees are informed about the benefits available under the ESI Act.
3. Facilitate the process for employees to avail themselves of the benefits by guiding them on the necessary steps to access medical services and other entitlements.
This initiative is a positive development that will contribute to the social upliftment of casual and contractual workers and their families by providing them with much-needed social security coverage.