An insured worker dies in an industrial accident leaving behind a widow, a widowed mother and two minor children. Under the ESI Act 1948, dependants benefit is payable at 90% of wages. What fraction of this benefit does the widow receive?
- A One-fifth
- B Three-fifths ✓
- C Two-fifths
- D The entire benefit
Correct answer: B. Three-fifths
Explanation
Dependants benefit equals 90% of the deceased's average daily wages. The widow receives three-fifths (60%) for life or until remarriage, the widowed mother receives one-fifth, and the remaining one-fifth is split between the children (two-fifths total divided equally, so each child gets two-fifteenths). One-fifth kills the best distractor: that share belongs to the mother, not the widow.
Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.
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