Speaking at a press conference in Shillong, Insurance Commissioner (North East Zone) Pranay Sinha said the expansion aims to provide comprehensive social security and healthcare to workers throughout the state. He noted that the corporation operates a nationwide network of 165 hospitals, 1,500 dispensaries, and 800 branch offices to ensure accessible medical and financial benefits.
"Through this scheme, we aim to reach every eligible worker and provide medical care along with essential cash benefits, ensuring their social and economic protection," Sinha said.
The scheme offers sickness, maternity, and disablement benefits, as well as dependants' benefits in case of death due to employment injury. While the ESI Scheme has been active in East Khasi Hills since 1980 and later in Ri-Bhoi, this latest move extends coverage to the entire state.
Currently, Meghalaya has 28,263 insured persons covering approximately 1.1 lakh beneficiaries and 1,982 employers. Healthcare services are presently available through dispensaries in Shillong and Byrnihat, Bethany Hospital, and the PA Sangma International Medical College and Hospital. To support the expansion, new Dispensary-cum-Branch Offices (DCBO) have been approved for Jowai, Tura, Nongstoin, and Khliehriat.
Registration is fully digital via the ESIC and Shram Suvidha portals. Establishments with 10 or more employees are required to register. Workers earning up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for persons with disabilities) are eligible, with contribution rates set at 0.75% for employees and 3.25% for employers.