Maharashtra Proposes Extension of ESIC Coverage to Educational & Medical Establishments

The Government of Maharashtra has issued a draft notification proposing to extend the provisions of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948 (ESIC) to cover a broader class of establishments, specifically educational and medical institutions, effective from 28 August 2025.

Key Details of the Draft Notification

  • The extension is made under Section 1(5) of the ESIC Act, 1948.
  • This move is in consultation with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation and with the approval of the Central Government.
  • The notification partially supersedes previous notifications concerning the number of employees for ESIC applicability.
  • The new applicability covers establishments employing 10 or more persons on any day in the preceding 12 months.

Establishments Covered

Type of EstablishmentDescription
Educational InstitutionsPublic, private, aided or partially aided institutions run by individuals, trustees, societies, or organizations
Medical InstitutionsCorporate hospitals, joint sector hospitals, trust hospitals, charitable hospitals, private hospitals, nursing homes, diagnostic centers, and pathological labs

Geographic Scope

  • The extension applies to all areas where ESIC provisions are already enforced under Section 1(3) of the Act in Maharashtra.

Public Notice & Feedback

  • The draft notification is published for public information and objections/suggestions.
  • Stakeholders and individuals may send their feedback to the Secretary, Public Health Department, Maharashtra at G.T. Hospital Complex, Mumbai.
  • The Government will consider all comments received before 28 August 2025, the date the notification is expected to come into force.

Why This Matters

  • This extension will bring more workers in the education and healthcare sectors under the ESIC social security umbrella, providing them access to health benefits, medical care, and social insurance.
  • It aims to strengthen employee welfare and ensure compliance with social security laws across critical sectors.

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