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Government reduces rate of contribution towards ESI scheme to 4%
Jun-14-2019

The Labour Ministry has said that the government has reduced the total rate of contribution made by workers and employers towards the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme to 4 percent from the existing 6.5 percent for the first time in over two decades. A move would results in an estimated annual saving of around Rs 5,000 crore for firms. The reduced rates will be effective from July 1, 2019. This would benefit 3.6 crore employees and 12.85 lakh employers.

The ministry has stated that said that the reduced rate of contribution will bring about a substantial relief to workers and facilitate further enrollment of workers under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESIC) scheme and bring more and more workforce into the formal sector. Similarly, reduction in the share of contribution of employers will reduce the financial liability of the establishments leading to improved viability of these establishments. This shall also lead to enhanced Ease of Doing Business. It is also expected that reduction in rate of ESI contribution shall lead to improved compliance of law. 

The ESI Act provides for medical, cash, maternity, disability and dependent benefits to the Insured Persons under the Act. The ESI Act is administered by Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). Benefits provided under the ESI Act are funded by the contributions made by the employers and the employees. Under the ESI Act, employers and employees both contribute their shares respectively. The Government of India through Ministry of Labour and Employment decides the rate of contribution under the ESI Act.

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