New Delhi, June 10

In the backdrop of long standing demand of the workers’ organisations, the Centre has extended coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme to all casual and contractual workers employed in municipal bodies in the country.

The measure has been taken under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.

Announcing the decision, Union Labour Minister Santosh Gangwar on Thursday said the Employees State Insurance Corporation had been directed to take up the matter with the states/ UTs as they were the appropriate government/authorities under the Act for issue of notification in the matter.

Under the proposed new dispensation, the coverage will be extended to those casual and contractual employees/agencies/ establishments which are within the implemented areas already notified under the Act by the Union government. The casual and contractual workers working with municipal bodies will be able to avail the benefits available under the law. — TNS