The Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, is a significant social welfare legislation in India that provides for the health and social security of workers.

Here’s a summary of the key aspects of the ESI Act:

Objective:

The primary objective of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act is to provide comprehensive social security benefits to employees and their dependents in case of sickness, maternity, disablement, or death due to employment injury.
Applicability: The ESI Act applies to factories and specified establishments where 10 or more persons are employed. It is also applicable to certain categories of establishments even if the number of employees is less than 10.
Contributions: Both employers and employees make contributions to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) fund. The employer’s contribution is higher than that of the employee.
Coverage: The ESI Act covers various benefits, including medical benefits, sickness benefits, maternity benefits, disablement benefits, and dependent’s benefits.
Medical Benefits: Employees and their family members are entitled to medical care, including outpatient, inpatient, and maternity benefits. Medical facilities are provided through ESI dispensaries, hospitals, and tie-up arrangements with private medical service providers.
Cash Benefits:

Sickness Benefit: Provides cash benefits during periods of sickness.
Maternity Benefit: Grants cash benefits to insured women during maternity.
Disablement Benefit: Offers financial support in case of employment-related disablement.
Dependent’s Benefit: Provides financial assistance to dependents in case of the death of the insured person due to employment injury.
Funeral Expenses: The ESI Act covers funeral expenses for an insured person.
Duration of Benefits: The Act provides for the duration and extent of benefits, ensuring that eligible individuals receive support for the specified periods.
Administration: The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is the administrative body responsible for implementing the ESI Act. It oversees the collection of contributions, management of the fund, and the delivery of benefits.
Exemptions: Certain categories of employees, such as those covered under other similar social security schemes, are exempted from the provisions of the ESI Act.
Recent Amendments: The ESI Act has undergone amendments to expand coverage, enhance benefits, and improve overall administration. The Employees’ State Insurance Act plays a crucial role in providing social security to industrial and commercial workers in India, ensuring that they and their dependents have access to medical care and financial support during times of need.