On May Day, Govt launches new ESIC scheme for workers

Bandaru Dattatreya, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour & Employment, launched a new scheme called "One IP-Two Dispensaries" for the benefit of migrant workers in New Delh on Monday, on International abour Day.

Till now Insured Persons (IPs) have an option of choosing one dispensary for self and family. Now with the launch of above scheme, Insured Persons can choose two dispensaries, one for self another for family through an employer.

This would benefit all IPs but specially migrant workers who are working in other than home state, while their families are living in their native states.

While addressing the gathering, Dattatreya briefed about the 2nd Generation Health Reforms Agenda of ESIC and expansion of ESI schemes all over the country.

He also informed that wage ceiling for coverage of employees under ESI Scheme has been enhanced from Rs15,000 per month to Rs 21,000. ESIC has also enhanced period of unemployment allowance from 12 months to 24 months. The duration of maternity benefit in confinement has been also enhanced from 12 weeks to 26 weeks. Construction workers are now covered under ESI Scheme for availing the benefits.

The minister applauded ESIC for adding huge number of employees and beneficiaries under SPREE scheme. He also announced that ESI Corporation will provide all medical facilities to working class in the organised sector as well as the un-organised sectors like Aganwadi workers, Asha workers, mid-day meal workers, and many more.

Deepak Kumar, DG ESIC, briefed the gathering about the achievement of ESIC in last three years. He also stressed upon expansion and improvement of medical services for insured persons and their beneficiaries besides expansion of ESI scheme in the new areas.