Demand for ESI facility for panchayat staff: Centre to take decision after discussion

Udupi: Union Labour Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya has assured that the government will hold discussions and take necessary action on providing Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) benefits to gram panchayat staff across the country.

MP Kota Srinivas Poojary met the Union Minister and submitted a formal request, urging the inclusion of gram panchayat employees under ESI health coverage.

There are 2,55,401 gram panchayats in the country, including 5,995 in Karnataka, with a total of 16,77,005 employees. Currently, these staff members are not eligible for ESI facilities.

Minister Mandaviya responded positively and stated that the issue would be examined and a decision taken accordingly. Most gram panchayats have fewer than 10 staff members, such as watermen, sanitation workers, watchmen, computer operators, and security personnel, making them ineligible under existing norms. As a result, they have been left out of the health insurance scheme.

MP Poojary emphasized that despite their essential roles, panchayat staff are deprived of ESI benefits and urged immediate steps to include them. MP P.C. Gaddigoudar was also present during the meeting.