Expansion of ESIC Regulations
The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is set to overhaul its regulations and expand its administrative network to include gig workers, platform workers, self-employed individuals, and other unorganised workers under its social security framework.
Proposed Changes in Regulations
- Draft Regulations: The proposed Employees' State Insurance (General) Regulations, 2026 aim to replace the current ESI regulations and align with the Code on Social Security, 2020.
- This code extends coverage to gig and platform workers.
- Coverage Expansion: The regulations seek to broaden ESIC's responsibility to provide social security schemes for new worker categories.
Administrative Network Expansion
- New Offices: ESIC plans to open five new sub-regional offices in locations including Meghalaya, Bilaspur, Rajkot, Jamshedpur, and another location.
- These offices will cater to a broader beneficiary base under the Social Security Code.
- Administrative Roles: Tasks will include registration, compliance, contribution management, benefits distribution, and grievance handling.
Transition to Digital Compliance
- System-Based Administration: The draft reflects a shift towards digital compliance, updating procedures for registration, identity cards, and record-keeping.
- Unified Framework: New regulations consolidate various processes like registration, contributions, benefits, inspections, enforcement, and appeals under one framework aligned with the Code.
Regulatory Framework Update
- Historical Review: The 1950 regulations were found outdated, prompting updates, omissions, rationalizations, or shifts to the Central Rules.
ESIC's Role
Under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, ESIC administers the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme, offering medical care and cash benefits to insured employees and their dependants, funded through employer and employee contributions.
