ESIC-Aadhaar Link: The Ministry of Labour and Employment has taken a significant decision. It has now been made mandatory for all beneficiaries of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) to link their Aadhaar with their ESIC identity card. This rule, implemented under Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020, will affect crores of employees working in factories and private institutions across the country.
The government has taken this step to ensure that benefits—such as free medicines in ESIC hospitals and cash assistance—reach genuine beneficiaries without any hassle. If an employee’s account is not linked to their Aadhaar card, they may face difficulties in processing claims in the future. Under the new system, an insured person can now complete the verification process themselves by visiting the official ESIC portal.
Link ESIC card with Aadhaar from the comfort of your home?
According to the Ministry of Labour, employees do not need to visit any office to link their Aadhaar. The official ESIC website now offers the entire process online. Employees can complete the linking process by following the simple steps listed below:
First, visit the official ESIC website and select the ‘Insured Person/Beneficiary’ option available on the home page.
Next, log in to the portal by entering your User ID and password.
After logging in, click on the ‘Aadhaar Seeding for IP’ option displayed on the screen.
Then, locate your name in the list and select the ‘Aadhaar Seeding’ link.
Enter your Aadhaar number in the designated box. Upon doing so, a One-Time Password (OTP) will be sent to the mobile number linked to your Aadhaar.
Enter the OTP received on your mobile and click ‘Submit’. Once the process is complete, a reference number will appear on the screen.
After the ESIC system verifies the information, your Aadhaar will be permanently linked to your insurance account.
Who is eligible for ESIC benefits?
The Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme primarily provides social security to low-income employees in the country’s organised and private sectors. Under the rules, employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month are covered. For employees with disabilities, the monthly salary limit is set at ₹25,000.
What benefits are provided?
Employees receive a wide range of facilities under this scheme. Insured individuals and their family members can avail of free OPD services, medical tests, and inpatient hospitalisation at ESIC dispensaries and super-speciality hospitals. Female employees are entitled to 26 weeks of paid leave and financial assistance during childbirth.
Cash payments are provided for up to 91 days of sick leave. In the event of temporary or permanent disability resulting from a workplace injury, a lifetime monthly pension is provided. If an employee dies due to a workplace accident, their parents, spouse, and children receive regular financial support in the form of a monthly pension.
Curbing fraud
There were frequent complaints regarding individuals fraudulently claiming benefits from two different companies using the same name, or impostors obtaining medicines using another person’s identity card. With the implementation of Aadhaar verification, the government will maintain a unique biometric record of each beneficiary.
The government has clarified that the objective is not to deprive any employee of their rights, but to make the system robust and transparent so that those in need can access immediate medical treatment without cumbersome paperwork.
Conclusion
The Ministry of Labour and Employment’s decision to link the ESIC identity card with Aadhaar is a crucial step toward strengthening social security. Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month should complete this verification immediately to ensure the continuity of hospital treatment, medicine supplies, and maternity benefits. All employees must visit the ESIC portal, complete the process using the OTP sent to their registered mobile number, and keep the generated reference number safe.