Mokokchung, 27 October (MTNews): In a collaborative effort involving the Labour Department, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), and the Employees Provident Fund Organization (EPFO), an ‘Awareness cum Medical Health Camp’ was conducted at the Chuchuyimlang Senso Telongjem Fellowship Hall in Penli Ward, Mokokchung. The event was chaired by Talitemjen Ao, Senior Labour Inspector from the ALC office in Mokokchung. Zaremo Kikon, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kohima delivered the introductory speech, and Chumlamo Humtsoe, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung shared a brief address.
A presentation on the benefits of the Employees State Insurance (ESI) and the role and responsibilities of employers in enrolling their employees was given by Khankhanmung Guite, Branch Manager of the ESIC office in Dimapur, Nagaland.
He explained that ESI is a social security Health Insurance Scheme under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, administered by the ESI Corporation. This scheme is applicable to factories and other establishments with 10 or more employees earning a monthly salary of Rs. 21,000 or less. ESI is funded through contributions from both employers and employees at rates of 3.25% and 0.75%, respectively. The benefits include Medical Benefits for insured individuals, their spouses, and dependents, as well as Sickness Benefits, Disablement Benefits, Dependent Benefits, and Maternity Benefits.
Guite also emphasized that employers not registered with the scheme could face penalties, including interest and damages, in addition to mandatory contributions retrospectively. Establishments were encouraged to register with the scheme promptly, and it was noted that registration can be done through the Shram Suvidha Portal.
A presentation on the Employees Provident Fund (EPFO) was delivered by Rohit Singh, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner in Nagaland. He emphasized the compulsory registration for organizations with 20 or more employees earning a monthly salary of Rs. 15,000 or less. Organizations with fewer than 20 employees can also voluntarily register under EPFO. The contributory rate under EPFO stands at 12% for both employees and employers. Three different schemes under EPFO were highlighted: Employees Provident Fund, Employees’ Pension Scheme, and Employee Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme.
The program primarily targeted coverable establishments located in Mokokchung Headquarters, and in addition to the awareness program, free medical check-ups were provided to all attendees.