ESIC to Consider Draft Regulations for Bringing Gig and Platform Workers Under Social Security

The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) is preparing to expand its social security framework to cover gig workers, platform workers, self-employed persons and other unorganised workers, as per a Business Standard report.  

The proposal is part of the draft Employees' State Insurance (General) Regulations, 2026, which seeks to align ESIC's rules with the Code on Social Security, 2020. The draft is expected to be taken up at the ESIC board meeting on June 30. 

Administrative Expansion Planned 

ESIC has also proposed adding five new sub-regional offices to support the wider coverage. The proposed locations include Meghalaya, Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh, Rajkot in Gujarat and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, while one location is yet to be identified.  

These offices will handle registrations, contribution records, compliance, benefit distribution, and grievance redressal as the number of beneficiaries increases. 

Regulations to Replace Existing Framework 

The proposed rules will replace the current Employees' State Insurance regulations, which have been in place since 1950. According to the draft, many provisions have become outdated over the years.  

Some have already been shifted to the Central Rules, while others have been revised to reflect changes introduced through the Code on Social Security.  

The proposal also states that ESIC's existing administrative structure was designed under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948, and will require changes as new categories of workers are brought under the scheme. 

Greater Focus on Digital Processes 

The draft regulations simplify several administrative procedures by introducing a digital compliance framework. Registration, identity cards, inspections, contribution management, record keeping, appeals and benefit administration have been brought under a single set of procedures.  

The objective is to reduce manual processes and support system-based administration as the scheme expands. 

Existing Role of ESIC 

ESIC functions under the Ministry of Labour and Employment and administers the Employees' State Insurance scheme for insured employees and their dependants.  

The scheme is financed through contributions from employers and employees and provides medical care and cash benefits through its network of hospitals, dispensaries, and field offices.  

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Conclusion 

The proposed regulations will be placed before the ESIC board on June 30. If approved, they will replace the existing framework and provide the basis for extending social security coverage to additional worker categories under the Code on Social Security, 2020. 

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