On 27 July 2026, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) issued a circular regarding coverage of educational institutions, medical institutions and other establishments in Maharashtra under the Code on Social Security, 2020.
The circular follows a clarification issued by ESIC Headquarters and directs field offices to ensure coverage of all eligible establishments in accordance with the Code.
ESIC had earlier put on hold the implementation of the Maharashtra Government’s notification dated 30 January 2026. It has now clarified that, since the Code on Social Security, 2020 came into force on 21 November 2025, coverage under the ESI Scheme is governed under the Code.
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Key Clarifications:
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ESIC has clarified that no separate notification is required to bring establishments within the ambit of the ESI Scheme after implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
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Coverage of establishments is governed by Section 1(4) of the Code on Social Security, 2020 read with its First Schedule.
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The provisions of the Code apply to all “establishments” covered under Section 2(29) of the Code, including educational institutions, medical institutions and other establishments covered under Section 1(4) read with the First Schedule in Maharashtra.
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The liability to pay ESI contributions under Section 29 of the Code arises from 21 November 2025, subject to fulfilment of the statutory conditions prescribed under the Code.
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ESIC has directed all field offices and functionaries in Maharashtra to take necessary action for coverage of all eligible establishments.
[ESIC Clarification on Coverage under Social Security Code 2020 in Maharashtra, dated 27-7-2026]