Though currently there is no money shortage, funds could fall short in the next couple of months.
As per the scheme policy, funds should be allotted in equal amounts for administrative work and for beneficiaries. Sources at the regional office of ESI Corporation say that a larger amount is allotted to the administration head – salary and maintenance – resulting in a lack of funds for the scheme’s beneficiaries.
Speaking to Herald the source said, “The State government gets funds from the Centre. As per the scheme policy, the funds should be equally fixed for salary purposes and for the insured persons. However, funds are allotted in the ratio of 80-20, thus resulting in a major lack of funds for the beneficiaries of the scheme.”
The ESI scheme is the largest social security scheme initiated by the ESI Corporation through which applicants are provided benefits when sick, during maternity period or are disabled. An employee from an organised firm earning below Rs 15,000 can avail of the benefits of the scheme. Once an applicant’s salary crosses Rs 15,000, he is not eligible for the benefits.
Currently there are 1.60 lakh insured persons in Goa who have registered under the scheme and are expecting benefits. To provide benefits to these insured persons, the ESI regional office requires Rs 16 crore annually. Sources revealed that this amount is not available with the regional office. “Only for medicines and dressings we require Rs 5 crore a year, but we get only Rs 3 crore,” the source said.
Queried on the reason behind the incorrect allotment of funds, the source said, “The only reason why the funds are not allotted properly is because of faulty budget by the State Finance department. They have not understood our policy.”
Sources said the regional ESI office will be seeking additional funds when the supplementary budget comes up in the monsoon session of the State Assembly.
