An insured worker under the ESI scheme pays contributions on his wages continuously from 1st April to 30th September of a calendar year. For which period will he remain eligible for cash benefits even if he leaves insurable employment immediately afterwards?

• A 1st October to 31st March of the same year
• B 1st July to 31st December of the same year
• C 1st January to 30th June of the following year ✓
• D 1st April to 30th September of the following year

Explanation

ESI operates on paired six-monthly contribution and benefit periods. Contributions paid during 1st April to 30th September secure eligibility for the corresponding benefit period of 1st January to 30th June of the following year; conversely, contributions from October to March protect the July to December benefit period. Option A assumes immediate continuity, ignoring the built-in lag. This lag mechanism allows benefits even after exit from insurable employment and is a favourite examination point.

Reference: Park's Textbook of Preventive and Social Medicine, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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