In a major development aimed at expanding social security coverage, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification extending the applicability of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948, to eight districts in Nagaland effective from May 1, 2025.
The notification, published on April 15, 2025 (S.O. 1716(E)), brings the following districts under the ambit of the Act:
- Dimapur
- Kohima
- Mokokchung
- Chumukedima
- Niuland
- Tseminyu
- Wokha
- Zunheboto
This move ensures that employees in these areas will now be entitled to a range of benefits under the ESI Act, including medical care, maternity, disability, and dependents’ benefits.
Provisions Coming Into Force:
The sections of the ESI Act that will now apply in the mentioned districts include:
- Sections 38–43: Employer registration and insurance obligations
- Sections 45A–45H: Contribution assessments and recovery
- Sections 46–73: Benefits for insured employees
- Sections 74–75: Jurisdiction of ESI courts
- Sections 76(2)–(4): Legal proceedings
- Sections 82–83: Appeals and rule-making powers
Implications:
All establishments and employers in these districts are now required to register under the ESI scheme and ensure compliance with contribution requirements. Failure to do so may lead to legal action under the Act.
Meanwhile, eligible employees will start receiving the comprehensive benefits that ESI provides, marking a significant step in improving worker welfare in Nagaland.
