Under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act 1948, which category of employees is mandatorily covered?
- A All government employees regardless of salary
- B All workers in factories and establishments with ≥10 employees earning up to ₹21,000/month ✓
- C Seasonal agricultural workers earning above ₹50,000/month
- D Contract workers in establishments with fewer than 5 employees
Correct answer: B. All workers in factories and establishments with ≥10 employees earning up to ₹21,000/month
Explanation
ESI Act 1948 mandatorily covers employees in factories and eligible establishments (using power with ≥10 employees or without power with ≥20 employees) earning wages up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for persons with disability). It provides medical, cash sickness, maternity, disablement, and dependent benefits. The employer contributes 3.25% and the employee contributes 0.75% of wages to the ESI Fund.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.