UPSC CSE Prelims 2012

The correct option is (d).

Explanation

The Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Scheme is an integrated social security system tailored to provide protection to workers and their dependants against contingencies such as sickness, maternity, disablement, and death due to employment injury. It is governed by the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948.

Analysis of Coverage:

The ESI Act applies to factories and other establishments as defined in the Act. Under Section 1(5) of the Act, the appropriate government is empowered to extend the scheme to any other establishment or class of establishments, industrial, commercial, agricultural, or otherwise.

• Hotels and restaurants: Correct. The scheme has been extended to hotels and restaurants employing 10 or more persons.
• Motor transport undertakings: Correct. Road motor transport undertakings are specifically included under the extended scope of the Act.
• Newspaper establishments: Correct. Newspaper establishments are covered under the Act.
• Private medical institutions: Correct. The coverage has been extended to private medical institutions (including corporate hospitals and diagnostic centers) and educational institutions in most States and Union Territories.

Key Takeaway: The ESI Scheme covers non-seasonal factories and has been extended to shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, road motor transport undertakings, newspaper establishments, and private medical/educational institutions employing 10 or more persons.