Report warns against bid to privatise Employees’ State Insurance Corporation

A report titled 'ESI Ki Baat' by Safe In India, a non-profit, has cautioned the Union government against privatizing the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). It recommends increasing the wage ceiling for ESIC coverage from ₹21,000 to ₹33,000. The report highlights that the implementation of the Code on Social Security will expand ESIC's reach, potentially including farmers and gig workers. While acknowledging ESIC's tie-ups with private hospitals for expanded access, the report warns against privatization as an ideological stance, emphasizing the need for strong regulatory capacity if private involvement is pursued to ensure improved outcomes and accountability.