ESIC headquarters issued a notification in this regard on June 3, which says, “The IP (insured person) who died due to Covid-19 must have been registered on the ESIC online portal at least three months prior to the date of diagnosis of Covid-19 disease resulting in his/her death. The deceased must have been in employment on the date of diagnosis of Covid-19 and contribution for at least 70 days should have been paid or payable in respect of him/her during a period of maximum one year immediately preceding the diagnosis of Covid-19 disease resulting in death. In case of the death of the IP due to Covid-19, his/her relatives shall be eligible to receive periodical payments. Ninety percent of the average daily wages of the deceased IP which will be called as full rate of the relief will be paid to the dependants of the IP who died due to Covid-19. Minimum relief under the scheme will be Rs 1,800 per month.”

Welcoming the decision, Raj Kumar Singla, president, Fasteners Suppliers Association of Ludhiana said, “We are happy that ESIC has approved the Covid-19 relief scheme for persons insured under the act and even implemented the scheme from last year. Last month, our association had written to the Union government and urged it to take new steps to help families of workers and insured persons who lose the battle against this deadly pandemic. Though no one can compensate for the loss of the life of the breadearner of the family, benefits available under the ESIC Covid-19 relief scheme will give at least some financial support to families.”

According to Nitin Sharma, executive member of Auto Parts Manufacturers Association, “We are grateful to the government and ESIC for coming out with the Covid-19 relief scheme. We request the union minister of labour and employment to start free vaccination drive for workers and their families covered under ESIC at the earliest so that precious lives are saved.”