Businesses and institutions falling under the following categories must register for ESI if they employ 10 or more workers:
- Retail Shops (selling goods directly to consumers)
- Restaurants, Hotels, and Eateries (not engaged in manufacturing)
- Cinemas and Preview Theatres
- Road Transport Companies and Agencies
- Newspaper Agencies (not covered under the Factories Act)
- Private Medical Clinics and Nursing Homes
- Private Educational Institutions (Schools, Colleges, Coaching Centers)
- Contractual & Casual Workers employed by Municipal Bodies or Local Authorities
These state-affiliated establishments must apply for ESIC Registration once their total number of employees reaches 10.
Entities Covered Under Central Government Notification (Extended Coverage)
The Central Government has further expanded ESI applicability under Section 1(5) to include the following sectors. For these, ESI Registration becomes mandatory with 20 or more employees:
- Retail Shops, Hotels, and Restaurants
- Road Transportation Services
- Cinemas and Film Screening Facilities
- Newspaper and Media Agencies
- Insurance Companies and NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies)
- Port Trusts and Dockyards
- Airport Authorities and Aviation Services
- Warehousing & Logistics Providers
Even within eligible companies, only employees earning ₹21,000/month or less (₹25,000/month for persons with disabilities) are considered eligible under ESI coverage.
Is Your Business Covered Under ESIC?
If your business falls into any of the above categories and meets the employee count threshold, ESI registration is legally mandatory. Failing to register may result in penalties, prosecution, or retrospective contribution liabilities.
Simplify ESI Registration with Mequintrax
At Mequintrax, we help businesses across India comply with ESI regulations with ease. Our experts ensure:
- Accurate eligibility assessment
- Smooth online ESI registration
- Employer Code Generation
- Ongoing ESIC return filings and employee support
Book your free consultation today and stay compliant with Mequintrax.