ESI Scheme Extended to Six Districts of Manipur

ESI Scheme Extended to Six Districts of Manipur

Notification No. S.O. 2696(E)

The Central Government has recently announced the extension of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme to six more districts in Manipur. This is a significant development aimed at improving the social security benefits available to workers in these regions. The new notification, identified as S.O. 2696(E), was issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and is set to take effect from August 1, 2024.

Coverage Details

The ESI Scheme will now cover the following districts in Manipur:

• Bishnupur
• Senapati
• Ukhrul
• Kangpokpi
• Churachandpur
• Thoubal

With this expansion, all eligible employees in these districts will now have access to the comprehensive benefits offered under the ESI Scheme, which includes medical care, cash benefits during sickness and maternity, disability benefits, and more.

Key Provisions

According to the notification, the provisions of sections 38 to 43, sections 45A to 45I, sections 46 to 73, sections 74 and 75, and sub-sections (2) to (4) of section 76, section 82, and section 83 of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 will be enforced in these districts. This means a broad spectrum of ESI benefits and regulations will now apply, ensuring extensive coverage and protection for workers.

Benefits of ESI Scheme

The ESI Scheme is designed to provide socio-economic protection to employees in case of sickness, maternity, and employment injury. The inclusion of these six districts in Manipur will enhance the welfare of workers by providing:

• Medical benefits to insured persons and their families
• Sickness benefits for financial assistance during medical leave
• Maternity benefits to female workers
• Disability benefits for temporary or permanent disabilities due to work-related injuries
• Dependents' benefits in case of death due to employment injury

Conclusion

The expansion of the ESI Scheme to these six districts is a commendable step by the Central Government towards ensuring better social security for workers in Manipur. This move is expected to significantly improve the quality of life and work conditions for many employees and their families.