ESIC raises maternity grant

"The Corporation has enhanced the Confinement Expense for confinement taking place outside ESIC Dispensaries/Hospitals from Rs 2,500 to Rs 5,000," an ESIC release said today.

Confinement Expense is the sum paid to pregnant women insured under ESIC who in case of unavailability of registered dispensaries or hospitals opt for unregistered or private ones for delivery.

"The sum has been increased keeping in mind daily expenses incurred by pregnant women while getting post- delivery treatment outside ESIC registered medical institutions," an ESIC official said.

The Corporation today also conducted its 158th meeting chaired by Union Labour and Employment Minister Mallikarjun Kharge to approve its Annual Report and Accounts for the year 2011-12.

"The ESI Scheme is on the path of accelerated growth. It is now catering to social security needs of more than 1.71 crore insured persons and their family members," the release said.