ESI
Rising maize diversion for ethanol production may fuel food inflation
Oil marketing companies have increased maize demand for ethanol, which is raising concerns for animal feed costs and inflation. Maize prices have doubled compared to last year amid projections of declining kharif production. Ethanol manufacturing is experiencing high competition for maize due to reduced sugarcane availability. Experts warn that heightened maize prices will affect poultry farmers and ultimately consumers.
India's sugar mills face margin squeeze as ethanol production restrictions and rising costs hit profitability: Crisil
India’s sugar mills may see decreased operating margins due to factors like rising sugarcane prices and production restrictions. The shift to C-heavy molasses for ethanol is expected to affect profitability negatively. While sugar prices are firm, they may not fully offset the losses from reduced ethanol sales. Demand and realisations might support a modest growth in operating income for this fiscal year.
Trump’s $5,000 stimulus check promise faces a big question after Democrats take control of the House and Senate: Will Americans still get the tariff-funded payments?
For Americans who were counting on Donald Trump’s promised $5,000 payment, the midterm election result has raised a big question; will the money still arrive? Trump had promised every adult US citizen a $5,000 check if Republicans retained control of both the House and Senate. That condition has now fallen apart. Democrats have won the Senate and are close to securing a House majority.
India's 100% ethanol-run vehicle push faces Supreme Court question to govt over fuel supply
The Supreme Court questioned the Centre over ethanol supply for 100% ethanol-run vehicles after India amended motor vehicle rules to permit E100 flex-fuel vehicles. The government acknowledged that large-scale manufacturing changes would be necessary. The court also highlighted farmers' interests while examining ethanol allocation disputes, as the Centre ruled out increasing petrol ethanol blending beyond the current 20% level.
Govt extends Amnesty Scheme under ESIC for three month till December 31
The ‘New Amnesty Scheme 2025’, rolled out on October 1, 2025, is a one-time dispute resolution initiative aimed at reducing the backlog of court cases and promoting compliance under the erstwhile Employees’ State Insurance Act. Court cases filed up to March 31, 2025 are eligible under this scheme, the ministry said on Thursday.
Vigilance probe against CEC Gyanesh Kumar in connection with 2006 road project ongoing: Kerala minister
PK Basheer also said that the preliminary enquiry was ordered as there were certain discrepancies in the probe conducted into the matter in 2006 by the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB).
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New Amnesty Scheme 2025 extended till December 31. Check details here
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended its New Amnesty Scheme, 2025, by three months until December 31, 2026, allowing eligible employers and insured persons more time to settle disputes out of court. The one-time scheme covers court cases filed up to March 31, 2025, and offers relief from damages in certain cases, subject to specified conditions.
Govt should hike maize-based ethanol procurement rate by 9% to Rs 75 per litre: AIDA
The All India Distillers’ Association (AIDA) has approached the government with a request to elevate the maize-based ethanol procurement price to Rs 75 per litre. As maize prices continue to climb, AIDA expressed fears regarding the viability of grain-based distilleries and noted that current ethanol production plants are underutilized, which adversely affects profit margins.
‘Ridiculed for eating beef’: 16-year-old Tamil Nadu boy dies by suicide after harassment by classmates and teacher
A 16-year-old student, A. Akilan, allegedly died by suicide due to harassment for consuming beef at school. His mother reported that the harassment began after a teacher's inquiry about beef consumption. Akilan faced physical assaults and derogatory remarks from classmates, while complaints were ignored by the school authorities. The Peelamedu police registered a case against the teacher and headmaster for abetment of suicide.
Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh seeks doubling of EPF wage ceiling as wages rise
The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh seeks to double the wage ceiling for mandatory Employees' Provident Fund coverage. This trade union also wants increased eligibility for Employees' State Insurance and statutory bonus. The existing thresholds have not kept pace with rising wages and changing employment conditions. The union organized a nationwide agitation and submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister. Assurances have been received, but a concrete policy decision remains pending.
Grain-based feedstocks power nearly 70% of India’s ethanol supplies in 2025-26
Grain-based feedstocks now supply nearly seventy percent of India's ethanol. Maize and surplus FCI rice are leading grain contributors to this supply. Sugar-based feedstocks also provide a substantial and important share of ethanol. India's ethanol capacity is expanding, requiring new utilization avenues. Future uses include Flex-Fuel Vehicles and Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Government should adopt flexible approach to ethanol-blended petrol programme: ICRIER paper
A research paper recommends flexibility in India's ethanol blending program targets. It suggests maintaining E20 as a long-term goal while allowing temporary E15 reductions. This approach would respond to agricultural shocks and manage economic costs effectively. The paper advocates for a flexible feedstock strategy to avoid food market pressure.
Maharashtra health minister urges Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to revise income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya and Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Ambedkar convened in New Delhi to assess the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme (ESIS) hospitals in Maharashtra. Ambedkar requested an increase in the income eligibility limit for ESIS beneficiaries and additional financial support to improve healthcare infrastructure. Mandaviya assured the completion of pending projects and a comprehensive review of ESIC hospitals.
ESI hikes disability and dependent's benefit
The PDB is paid at the rate of 90% of wages in the form of monthly payment depending upon the extent of loss of earning capacity as certified by a Medical Board. The DB is paid at the rate of 90% of wage in the form of monthly payment to the dependants of a deceased Insured person in cases where death occurs due to employment injury or occupational hazards, the statement said.
ESI Act should be given "liberal interpretation": Supreme Court, says it is a social welfare legislation
While dealing with an appeal filed by the ESI Corporation against the February 2021 verdict passed by the high court of the state of Telangana, a bench of Justices M R Shah and C T Ravikumar said any interpretation which would lean in favour of the beneficiary should be given as the Act is a social welfare legislation.
BCCI is a 'shop', provisions of Employees State Insurance Act applicable: Supreme Court
The top court said ESI Act is welfare legislation enacted by the Centre and a narrow meaning should not be attached to the words used in the Act as it seeks to insure the employees of covered establishments against various risks to their life, health, and well-being and places the charge upon the employer.
Govt to provide medical coverage, other benefits under Employees State Insurance scheme
Once notifications for ESI coverage are issued by the respective states/ UTs, the casual and contractual workers working with municipal bodies will be able to avail the full gamut of benefits available under the ESI Act such as sickness benefit, maternity benefit, disablement benefit, dependent’s benefit, funeral expenses etc.
ESI beneficiaries can get medical services at empaneled hospitals
Beneficiaries of the ESI health insurance scheme can get medical care at nearby private hospitals empanelled with the Employees' State Insurance Corporation in case of non-availability of ESIC hospitals within 10 kms of their residence.
Trade unions condemn government's move to reduce ESI contribution
The government reduced the contribution under the Employees' State Insurance Act from from 6.5% to 4% which it cleaned will benefit 3.6 crore workers and 12.85 lakh employers.
Modicare-like option in ESI faces heat from RSS affiliate
Trade union members of the ESIC are opposing the government’s plan to introduce health insurance schemes offered by other insurers as an option for employees.
Mega health shield scheme may include ESI plan
The inclusion of ESI will extend the insurance benefits to over 10 crore people. Currently, the health protection scheme is targeting to cover around 8 crore families.
Karnataka and Chhattisgarh agree to implement Labour Ministry's wider access programme
Labour Ministry's initiative aims to provide medical facilities to potential ESI beneficiaries where it may not be feasible for state govts to do so.
'2 states agree to implement Labour Ministry's wider access initiative'
"The governments of Karnataka and Chhattisgarh have agreed to implement the initiative on pilot basis and accordingly identified two areas each," Dattatreya said.
Bengal ESI hospitals get incentive grant from Centre: Mamata Banerjee
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee said that an incentive grant of Rs 22.33 cr had been provided by Centre for an excellent performance of ESI hospitals.
No more ESI medical colleges: Union Labour Minister Narendra Singh Tomar
Union Labour Minister Narendra Singh Tomar today said the one proposed at Bhubaneswar would be established as it was already decided.
Extend ESI scheme to glass, bangle workers: Parliamentary panel
A Parliamentary panel has suggested extending the Employees State Insurance (ESI) scheme to glass and bangle workers in the unorganised sector.
ESI International betting big on Indian corporate training market
Buoyed by phenomenal growth in India's training market, US-based ESI International, which provides consulting and training solutions, today said it plans to expand its footprint in the country.
Teledata buys eSys Tech for $105 m
Chennai-based Teledata Informatics has acquired a majority stake in eSys Technologies, the Singapore-based distributor of hard drives and PC manufacturer for $105 million.
Amnesty scheme to settle ESI cases in Bengal circle
The West Bengal circle of the Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (ESI) hopes to settle as much as 60% of cases pending in different courts of law through their recently-announced amnesty scheme.
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