ESI ANNUAL RETURN
The half-yearly ESI return is an
important statutory compliance requirement under the Employees’ State Insurance
Act, 1948, ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of the
ESI scheme. Employers covered under this scheme are required to file these
returns twice a year—for the periods April to September and October to March—to
provide a comprehensive record of contributions and employee details to the
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). The return contains crucial
information such as employee names, insurance numbers, gross wages, number of
days worked, and total contributions made by both the employer and employees.
This helps the ESIC maintain accurate records of insured persons and ensures
that employees are eligible to receive benefits such as medical care, maternity
benefits, sickness benefits, and disability compensation. Employers must file
their ESI returns online through the ESIC employer portal, making the process
more efficient and transparent. Timely submission of the half-yearly return not
only ensures legal compliance but also prevents penalties or interest that may
arise from late filing. It further strengthens the employer’s credibility and
helps maintain employees’ trust by ensuring uninterrupted access to their ESI
benefits.