The Delhi Government, under the leadership of Shri Arvind Kejriwal, is continuously working to include as many employees as possible in the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and provide them with the benefits of government facilities. Taking steps in the same direction, several important decisions were taken in the 53rd board meeting of the Regional Board of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) on Thursday, under the chairmanship of Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, the Labour Minister of the Delhi government. In the meeting, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand ordered the exploration of the possibility of opening dispensaries for the employees’ state insurance scheme (ESIC) in 70 constituencies of the capital. Additionally, 12 new dispensaries will be opened soon for ESIC beneficiaries in Delhi. The necessary approvals have been obtained from the department, and appropriate locations are being selected.
Shri Raaj Kumar Anand, the Labour Minister, gave directions to explore the possibility of increasing the minimum wage limit from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 31,000 in order to increase the number of employees covered under ESIC. It was decided in the board meeting that the Labour Department and ESIC will jointly organize awareness camps in the industrial sector to raise awareness among employees about their rights and government facilities. It was also decided that the Kejriwal government will designate a quota for the children of ESIC beneficiaries in ESIC medical colleges. The board meeting was attended by officials from the Labour Department of the Delhi government, members of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation, and representatives of the employees.
In this meeting, Shri Raaj Kumar Anand informed the Regional Board of Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) that approval had been granted to open 12 new ESIC dispensaries in Delhi. He further stated that the process of selecting appropriate locations had begun in this direction. Furthermore, Shri Anand presented the proposal to the board to open a dispensary for ESIC beneficiaries in each of the 70 constituencies in the capital. Shri Anand instructed the ESIC officials to explore possibilities and present proposals in this regard to the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation.
In the board meeting, Shri Anand emphasised the need to increase the minimum wage limit for employees. Shri Anand directed the Board to adopt measures that would enable the inclusion of as many employees as possible under ESIC in the NCT of Delhi and provide them with the benefits of government facilities. The Labour Minister instructed the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation to explore possibilities of raising the minimum wage limit for employees from Rs. 21,000 to Rs. 31,000. This way, a significant number of employees working in the capital would be able to avail themselves of government benefits by being associated with ESIC.
It was decided during the board meeting that conducting an awareness campaign is crucial to educate employees in Delhi about their rights. In order to make this campaign successful, the Labour Department of the Delhi government and the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation will work together. Both government institutions will organize awareness camps in major industrial areas of the capital. These camps will aim to raise awareness among employees about their rights and government facilities. Additionally, it will be ensured that employers carry out on-spot registration of employees under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation during these camps, so that the employees working for them can avail themselves of government benefits.
During the board meeting, Shri Anand emphasised the need to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign to regularly inform employees about the government’s various facilities. In addition to organising camps, it was suggested that newsletters and magazines be distributed to employees on behalf of ESIC. These publications should provide information on the required documents for availing ESIC benefits and guide employees on the portal through which they can apply for necessary document changes, if needed.
In the board meeting, emphasis was laid on improving the condition of ESIC hospitals located in Delhi. Shri Anand gave instructions to take appropriate steps towards increasing the number of ESI hospitals in Delhi.
During the board meeting, the issue of reserving seats for Delhi students in ESIC medical colleges located in Delhi was raised. Shri Anand directed the concerned department officials to take appropriate measures in this regard. It is worth noting that ESIC operates medical colleges throughout the country, where the children of ESIC beneficiaries study. Previously, there was no fixed quota for ESIC beneficiaries from Delhi in these colleges located in Delhi. Consequently, there is a demand for the implementation of a quota for ESIC beneficiaries’ children in ESIC colleges in Delhi.
During the board meeting, the issue of untimely resolution of grievances faced by ESIC beneficiaries was raised by the employee representatives. They highlighted that in cases of death and health-related matters, ESIC beneficiaries often have to wait for several years to receive the assured sum. This situation renders the payment amount meaningless, causing inconvenience to the general public. In response, Shri Anand directed the Employees State Insurance Corporation to address this matter seriously and instructed them to promptly resolve all the complaints. Additionally, all beneficiaries were urged to make regular payments to ensure that neither they nor their family members encounter any future difficulties.
