Aadhaar linking made mandatory for ESIC beneficiaries

Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi New Delhi, Sep 8: Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) beneficiaries will now have to link their Aadhaar with their ESIC Pehchan Card to ensure seamless and uninterrupted access to benefits under the social security scheme, the government said on Tuesday. The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in a post on X, said Aadhaar authentication has been made mandatory for ESIC beneficiaries under Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The ESIC provides social security and healthcare benefits to eligible employees and their families working in factories and establishments covered under the scheme. Employees earning up to Rs 21,000 per month are generally covered under ESIC, while the wage ceiling is Rs 25,000 per month for persons with disabilities, subject to applicable rules. ### How to link Aadhaar with ESIC Beneficiaries can seed their Aadhaar with their ESIC records through the official ESIC website. Insured persons need to select the "Insured Persons and Beneficiaries" section and log in using their user ID and password. They can then select the "Aadhaar Seeding for IP" option, locate their name in the list and choose the option to seed Aadhaar. The beneficiary has to enter the Aadhaar number and complete authentication through a one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. After submitting the request, a reference number is generated. The Aadhaar is linked to the ESIC records once the verification process is completed. The ministry has advised beneficiaries to ensure that the mobile number registered with Aadhaar is active and accessible, as it is required for OTP-based authentication. The government has urged ESIC beneficiaries to complete Aadhaar seeding with their Pehchan Card to facilitate seamless access to services and benefits. Aadhaar-based authentication is also expected to help establish the identity of beneficiaries and streamline access to ESIC services. The ESIC scheme provides a range of benefits, including medical treatment, hospitalisation and maternity care. Insured employees are also eligible for financial assistance during periods of sickness or temporary disablement. In cases of permanent disablement arising from employment injuries, the scheme provides disability benefits. Dependants may also receive financial assistance if an insured employee dies due to an employment injury.