The Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme provides beneficiaries with an ESI card, also known as the Pehchan card, which serves as a health card. This card, which contains comprehensive employee details, is usable across all ESI network dispensaries and hospitals.
What is ESIC?
An ESI card functions as a health card issued to beneficiaries who are part of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme. This initiative was introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment to safeguard the well-being of workers from medical contingencies. Organizations or establishments employing over 10 workers are mandated to enroll their employees under the ESI scheme. The administration of this scheme is overseen by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, an autonomous entity operating within the purview of the Indian government and functioning under the directives of the ESI Act of 1948.
Features of ESI Card
- Even if the insured person changes employment, he/she can continue using the same ESI card to access benefits under the ESI scheme.
- If the insured person changes employment, he/she needs to inform the new employer and provide them with his/her insurance number.
- Employees can update their contribution or benefit-related information by registering on the ESIC portal using their insurance number.
- If any information like mobile number, email, address, etc., of the insured person needs updating, he/she can inform their employer to update it.
- If the insured person has enrolled for an ESI card in his/her previous employment but has not received one, he/she can contact the previous employer or obtain one from the nearest ESIC office.
- To ensure that medical facilities at the ESI network hospitals are accessed easily and quickly, carrying the ESI card or Smart card is always advised. The card can also be used to track your medical treatment history.
Benefits of ESI Scheme
- The employee contributes 0.75% of their wages, while the employer contributes 3.25% of the wages paid or payable for employees during each wage period.
- Individuals registered under the scheme access medical treatments for themselves and their families.
- Female beneficiaries receive maternity benefits as part of the ESI scheme.
- Dependents are eligible for disablement benefits and pensions in the event of employment-related disabilities or fatalities.
- For outpatient medical needs, beneficiaries have access to a network of 1,418 ESI dispensaries.
- Inpatient care is available at 145 ESI hospitals, which collectively provide 19,387 beds.
Eligibility Criteria for ESI Scheme
- A non-seasonal establishment or factory with a minimum of 10 employees (in certain states, the threshold is 20).
- Employees’ maximum monthly salary should not exceed Rs. 21,000.
- Under the ESIC scheme, employees contribute 0.75% of their monthly salary, while employers contribute 3.25% of the total monthly salary. However, employees earning less than Rs. 176 per day are exempt from making their personal contribution.
Documents Required for ESIC Scheme
- Registration Certificate issued under the Factories Act or Establishment and Shops Act.
- Registration Certificate for companies and partnership deed for firms.
- Proof of establishment’s address.
- Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association for companies.
- Comprehensive list of employees along with their compensation particulars.
- Cancelled cheque of the company’s bank account.
- Roster of shareholders.
- Business’s PAN card.
- Attendance roster for all employees.
ESIC Employee Login
- Go to the ESIC Login Portal https://www.esic.in/EmployeePortal/login.aspx
- Input your username and password. Ensure ‘Insured Person’ is selected for the ESIC login.
- Complete the ‘Captcha’ verification.
- Click on ‘Login’
How to Register for the ESIC Scheme?
- Access the ESIC portal.
- Provide the required information in the form and submit it.
- A confirmation email containing your username and password will be sent to your registered email ID.
- Visit the ‘Employer Login’ section on the homepage and enter the received username and password.
- Select ‘New Employer Registration.’
- Choose the appropriate ‘Type of unit’ from the dropdown menu and press ‘Submit.’
- Fill in the necessary details within the ‘Employer Registration Form 1.’
- Upon completing the registration, the subsequent step will prompt you to complete the payment.
How to Obtain an ESI Card or Pehchan Card?
Follow the steps mentioned below to obtain an ESI card:
- Visit the ESIC e-pehchan Portal here.
- Click on the ‘e-Pehchan card’ under the ‘Employee’ tab
- Enter the ‘Employee Insurance number’ and click on ‘View’ button
- Click on ‘View counter foil’ option present under ‘Registration Employee Details’
- The e-Pehchan card counterfoil of the insured person will open. The employer needs to print it.
- The employer needs to give the counterfoil to the employee.
- The employee needs to submit their photograph and photographs of their dependents to the employer for attestation
- After attestation, the employer needs to submit the e-Pehchan counterfoil to the nearest ESIC office and obtain an ESI card
After the e-Pehchan counterfoil is attested by the employer, the employee, along with their dependents, may need to visit the nearest ESIC office. Here, their photographs and fingerprints will be captured for the issuance of the permanent ESI Smart Card. Typically, a set of two physical cards is dispatched to the insured person within 30 days via courier, or they may be required to collect them from the nearest ESIC branch.
Establishments Covered Under the ESI Scheme
- Shops
- Road transport establishments
- Restaurants and hotels who are involved in sales
- Private Educational institutions
- Newspaper establishments
- Theatres and cinemas
The ESI card or Pehchan card is a valuable health identification that enables the insured person to enjoy the benefits of the ESI scheme at network hospitals in a quick and easy manner.
Who Qualifies for an ESI Card?
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