Government Unveils New ESIC Medical Colleges and Extends Unemployment Allowance

The government will establish 10 new ESIC medical colleges and extend the unemployment allowance scheme for ESI Corporation members until June 2026, aiming to bolster medical infrastructure and support insured individuals. The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna is also extended for two more years.

The Labour & Employment Ministry announced plans to establish 10 new ESIC medical colleges and extend the unemployment allowance scheme until June 2026. These moves are designed to enhance medical infrastructure and provide support for ESI Corporation members who are between jobs.

During an ESI Corporation meeting, Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya detailed several initiatives, including the development of new medical colleges. This aligns with the Prime Minister's Independence Day promise of increasing medical seats by 75,000 over five years.

Mandaviya also confirmed the extension of the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojna, which offers unemployment allowance while insured persons search for new employment. Additionally, ESIC beneficiaries will receive medical care through a national convergence program with Ayushman Bharat under PMJAY, with no expenditure limit in empanelled hospitals.

(With inputs from agencies.)