ESI to accommodate workers in unorganised sector, says Kharge

Union Labour Minister Mallikarjun Kharge told Deccan Herald that these workers would be brought under ESI cover by utilising under-utilised hospitals/dispensaries of ESI Corporation. Once the amendments are approved by Parliament, the ESI Act will apply to all premises and precincts where 10 or more workers – as against the existing 20 - are employed irrespective of whether power is used in manufacturing process or not. 

The amendments will give benefits to dependents of the insured persons till the age of 25 as against the present 18; provide benefits to workers for accidents while commuting to the place of work and vice-versa; and will reduce the duration of notice period from six months to one month only for extension of the provisions of the Act to new classes of establishments by the Centre/state governments.

Kharge said the ESIC will be empowered to enter into an agreement with any local authority, local body or private body for commissioning or running ESI Hospitals through third party participation for providing medical treatment and attendance to insured persons. It will also be able to improve the quality of its service delivery and raise infrastructural facilities by opening of medical colleges and training facilities in order to increase its medical and para-medical staff.

The state governments, with the prior approval of Central government will also be able to set up autonomous organisations on the pattern of ESI Corporation. The decision was based on recommendations of a sub-committee constituted by the ESIC.
“The amendments will give additional benefit to the insured persons covering more establishments providing health facilities mandatory to lakhs of workers. On implementation of the amended provisions, harassment will be reduced significantly by reducing the discretionary powers of the inspectors and making them more responsible as Social Security Officers rather than inspectors,” he said.