Official Source
ESIC India
The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has issued reminders to all covered employers to file the half-yearly contribution statement and ensure monthly challans are deposited within the prescribed timeline. ESIC enforcement teams are conducting compliance audits across industries.
Monthly ESIC Filing Due Dates
Half-Yearly Return (Form-5): Two submissions per year:
- ▸Contribution payment: By the 21st of the following month
- ▸For February contributions: By March 21
- ▸There is no separate monthly return form; contributions are deposited via online challan
- ▸April to September contributions: Return by November 11
- ▸October to March contributions: Return by May 11
ESIC Challan Generation Process
- ▸Log into ESIC employer portal: esic.gov.in
- ▸Navigate to "Online Services" → "Generate Challan"
- ▸Enter contribution details for each employee (wages, contributions)
- ▸System auto-calculates employer (3.25%) and employee (0.75%) contribution
- ▸Generate e-challan and pay via net banking or payment gateway
- ▸Download payment receipt for records
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- ▸Late payment of contribution: Damages at 12% per annum (simple interest)
- ▸Default in payment after demand: Recovery as arrears of land revenue
- ▸Failure to register: Prosecution with fine up to ₹25,000 and imprisonment up to 3 years
- ▸Obstruction of inspector: Fine up to ₹2,000
Recent ESIC Initiatives
Pehchaan Portal: Biometric verification for insured persons at ESI hospitals — reduces fraud and ensures genuine beneficiaries receive benefits
Aadhaar Seeding: All IP numbers must be linked with Aadhaar for seamless benefit disbursement
Online Accident Intimation: Accidents must be reported online within 24 hours at esic.gov.in
ESI App: Available for checking contribution status, ESI card download, and benefit claims
Action Required for Employers
- ▸Ensure all employees are registered on ESIC portal within 10 days of joining
- ▸Aadhaar-seed all IP numbers on the ESIC portal
- ▸Deposit monthly challans by the 21st without fail
- ▸File half-yearly returns within prescribed dates
- ▸Maintain Form-7 (Register of Employees) and Form-16 (Register of accidents) physically
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