1. Simplified Access to Benefits

One of the primary objectives of the ESIC e-Pehchan Card is to streamline the process through which beneficiaries access their medical and
financial benefits. The card consolidates identification and eligibility details into a single, easy-to-use digital format. This ensures that
insured individuals and their families face minimal bureaucratic hurdles when seeking benefits.

Accessibility at ESIC Facilities:

• The card is valid at all ESIC hospitals, dispensaries, and empaneled medical institutions across the country. Beneficiaries no longer
  need to carry multiple documents for verification, as the e-Pehchan Card suffices.
• Dependents of insured persons also benefit from this simplified system, as their details are integrated into the card.

Faster Processing of Claims:

• The e-Pehchan Card eliminates the delays associated with traditional paperwork, allowing faster claim processing for benefits
  such as medical treatment, sickness allowance, and maternity benefits.

Universal Coverage:

• The card’s portability ensures that beneficiaries can access their entitlements from any ESIC facility nationwide, irrespective of their location.

2. Driving Digital Transformation

The ESIC e-Pehchan Card represents a significant step in India’s journey towards digital governance. By replacing traditional
paper-based systems with a secure, efficient, and eco-friendly digital framework, the card supports broader government objectives
of technological advancement and transparency.

Paperless Operations:

• One of the key features of the e-Pehchan Card is the transition to paperless processes. Employees no longer need to submit
  physical copies of documents repeatedly, reducing environmental impact and administrative workload.

Integration with Digital Infrastructure:

• The card is linked to ESIC’s centralized database, allowing real-time updates and access to beneficiary records. This integration ensures
  accurate information flow between ESIC offices and healthcare providers.

Eco-Friendly Impact:

• By minimizing reliance on paper-based documentation, the initiative aligns with sustainability goals, reducing waste and conserving resources.

Support for Government Initiatives:

• The e-Pehchan Card complements other digital governance programs like Aadhaar and Digital India, fostering a cohesive ecosystem
  of interconnected services.

3. Enhanced Convenience for Beneficiaries

Another critical objective of the ESIC e-Pehchan Card is to enhance the convenience and user experience for insured persons and
their dependents. By providing a single point of access to multiple benefits, the card ensures a hassle-free experience.

All-in-One Solution:

• The card consolidates an individual’s identification, eligibility, and medical history, eliminating the need for multiple documents.

Time-Saving:

• Beneficiaries no longer need to visit multiple offices or undergo lengthy verification processes. A single swipe or presentation
  of the e-Pehchan Card is sufficient to access services.

Nationwide Portability:

• Whether an employee relocates for work or travels, the card ensures uninterrupted access to ESIC facilities across India.

Dependents’ Coverage:

• The card includes details of the insured person’s family members, ensuring that dependents can avail of healthcare services without additional paperwork.

Emergency Use:

• During emergencies, beneficiaries can immediately access ESIC services using their e-Pehchan Card, avoiding delays in critical situations.

4. Centralized Record Management

One of the most impactful objectives of the ESIC e-Pehchan Card is the centralization of beneficiary records. This centralized approach
enhances efficiency, transparency, and accountability.

• Accurate and Up-to-Date Records: The e-Pehchan Card is integrated with ESIC’s database, ensuring that beneficiaries’ information is
  always current. This reduces the risk of errors and discrepancies in records.
• Streamlined Operations: Centralized data management allows ESIC to process claims, verify eligibility, and deliver benefits more efficiently.
  It also simplifies administrative tasks for employers.
• Improved Tracking: The centralized system enables real-time tracking of benefits availed by individuals. This helps ESIC monitor service usage
  and identify areas for improvement.
• Fraud Prevention: By linking the card to the database, ESIC can minimize fraudulent claims. Each transaction or benefit availed is recorded,
  ensuring transparency and accountability.

5. Promoting Social Security and Welfare

The ESIC e-Pehchan Card is instrumental in advancing the objectives of the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, which aims to provide
comprehensive social security to workers. The card simplifies access to various welfare schemes, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their
entitlements promptly.

• Medical Benefits: Insured persons and their dependents are entitled to medical care at ESIC hospitals and dispensaries, including specialist consultations, diagnostics, and treatments.
• Financial Assistance: The card facilitates benefits such as sickness allowance, maternity benefits, and unemployment relief, providing financial stability to insured individuals during challenging times.
• Rehabilitation Services: Workers injured on the job can access ESIC’s rehabilitation programs, including physical therapy and vocational training, with the help of their e-Pehchan Card.
• Dependents’ Welfare: In the event of an insured person’s death, dependents can access pension benefits using the card, ensuring continued financial support.

6. Strengthening Employer-Employee Relationships

The e-Pehchan Card also plays a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between employers and employees. By simplifying the
delivery of ESIC benefits, employers can demonstrate their commitment to employee welfare.

• Streamlined Registrations: Employers can easily register their employees for ESIC benefits and issue e-Pehchan Cards, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.
• Improved Productivity: With faster access to healthcare services and financial benefits, employees experience less stress and downtime, enhancing overall productivity.
• Legal Compliance: Employers are required by law to provide ESIC coverage to eligible employees. The e-Pehchan Card helps them fulfill this responsibility effectively.

1. Insured Persons (IP)

Any employee registered under the ESI scheme and making contributions to it is classified as an Insured Person (IP). The eligibility criteria for IPs include:

• Employment in Eligible Organizations: The employee must work in an establishment covered under the ESI Act, such as factories, commercial establishments, or shops.
• Income Threshold: The employee’s monthly wages must fall below the prescribed limit set by ESIC (e.g., ₹21,000 per month in many cases, or ₹25,000 for employees with disabilities, subject to updates).
• Contributions: The employer and employee must both contribute their respective shares to the ESI fund.

2. Dependents of Insured Persons

Dependents of insured individuals are also eligible to receive benefits through the ESIC card. This includes:

• Spouse: The lawful spouse of the insured person is eligible for healthcare and other benefits.
• Children: Dependent children up to a certain age (e.g., 25 years) or until they are married, whichever is earlier, are eligible. This includes both biological and adopted children.
• Dependent Parents: Parents who are financially dependent on the insured individual can also avail themselves of ESI benefits.

3. Retired or Disabled Beneficiaries

Individuals who have retired or suffered permanent disabilities are entitled to post-retirement medical benefits if they meet the following conditions:

• Minimum Contribution Period: The insured person must have contributed to the ESI fund for the minimum period specified by ESIC.
• Continuation of Benefits: Retired or disabled beneficiaries can continue to use the ESIC card for availing themselves of healthcare services at designated ESI hospitals and dispensaries.

4. Other Special Cases

In some instances, the following individuals may also be eligible for the ESIC card:

• Unemployed Individuals: Those who have lost their jobs but meet specific eligibility criteria under ESI unemployment benefits.
• Seasonal Workers: Employees engaged in seasonal industries (e.g., sugar factories) that are covered under the ESI Act.