ESI beneficiaries will now be able to deposit February contribution, 3.49 crore people will benefit
The lockdown in the country has been extended to May 3 due to the coronavirus epidemic. In view of this, the State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has kept its subscribers to deposit its installment. Under this, ESIC has extended the deadline for submission of ESI contribution to February 15 for the month of February. Earlier, the last date for submission was extended to 15 April. The Ministry of Labor stated that many companies or units are temporarily closed. At the same time, it is difficult for the workers to go to work due to the lockdown. Keeping this in mind, this decision has been taken.
Companies will get relief
Companies are given extra time for filing ESI contributions. No penalty or interest will be levied on companies or units for that time period. This decision will provide relief to 3.49 crore insured persons (IPs) and 12,11,174 employees (employers). Apart from this, ESIC has also taken some other relief measures for the beneficiaries.
Salary up to Rs 21000
ESI benefits from employees working in private companies, factories and factories. To avail free treatment under ESI one has to go to ESI dispensary or hospital. ESI card is made for this. Employees can take advantage of the scheme based on this card or documents brought from the company. The benefit of ESI is available to employees whose monthly income is 21 thousand rupees or less. However, in case of PwDs, the income limit is Rs 25000.
ESI beneficiaries will also be able to purchase medicine from private medical
To reduce the hardship of ESI beneficiaries during the lockdown period, ESI beneficiaries have been allowed to purchase medicines from private medical. Medical benefits are provided to the insured persons under Rule 60-61 who are not in employment or are insured retired due to permanent disability. Such persons can avail medical benefits by depositing advance amount for the whole year at the rate of Rs. 10 per month.
Relief given to those who take benefit of Atal Pension Yojana
Under this, the contribution to the Atal Pension Yojana will no longer be automatically deducted (Auto Debit) till 30 June 2020. There are about 2.23 crore shareholders in the Atal Pension Yojana, a special scheme of the Government of India. Most of it is of the unorganized sector workers. Contribution to this is done through auto debit instead of cash or cash. According to the PFRDA circular, contributions contributed during the lockdown can be contributed from 1 July to 30 September 2020. The shareholders do not have to pay any penalty interest. Usually 1 percent interest has to be paid. Along with this, the contribution of the months of July, August and September should also be made simultaneously.
