ESIC makes Aadhaar linking mandatory for Pehchan Card beneficiaries
Synopsis
Millions of ESIC-covered workers must now link their Aadhaar to their Pehchan Card or risk losing access to medical, maternity, and disability benefits. The mandate, backed by Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020, is the latest in a series of Aadhaar-anchored welfare reforms — and the compliance window is already open.
Key Takeaways
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for all ESIC beneficiaries effective 8 September .
The mandate is enforced under Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020 .
Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month are covered; the ceiling rises to ₹25,000 per month for persons with disabilities .
Aadhaar seeding can be completed online via the official ESIC website using OTP-based verification.
Benefits at stake include medical treatment , hospitalisation , maternity care , sickness allowance , disability benefits , and dependant assistance .
Beneficiaries must ensure their Aadhaar-registered mobile number is active to receive the required OTP.
The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has made Aadhaar authentication mandatory for all its beneficiaries, who must now link their Aadhaar with their ESIC Pehchan Card to continue receiving uninterrupted access to social security benefits. The directive, announced on Tuesday, 8 September, invokes Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
What the Mandate Covers
The Ministry of Labour and Employment confirmed the move, stating that Aadhaar-based authentication is now compulsory under the applicable provisions of the social security code. The ESIC scheme extends healthcare and financial protection to eligible employees and their families working in factories and establishments covered under the framework.
Generally, employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month are covered under ESIC. For persons with disabilities, the wage ceiling is higher at ₹25,000 per month, subject to applicable rules.
How Beneficiaries Can Link Their Aadhaar
The seeding process can be completed through the official ESIC website. Insured persons must navigate to the 'Insured Persons and Beneficiaries' section and log in using their user ID and password. From there, they select the 'Aadhaar Seeding for IP' option, locate their name in the list, and click the link to initiate seeding.
Beneficiaries are then required to enter their Aadhaar number and complete verification via a one-time password (OTP) sent to the mobile number registered with Aadhaar. Once the request is submitted, a reference number is generated, and the Aadhaar is formally linked to ESIC records after verification is complete. The ministry has specifically advised beneficiaries to ensure their Aadhaar-registered mobile number is active, as OTP delivery is essential to the process.
Why the Government Is Pushing This
Aadhaar-based authentication is expected to strengthen identity verification for ESIC beneficiaries and reduce leakages in benefit delivery. This comes amid a broader Centre-wide push to digitise and authenticate access to social security entitlements across multiple schemes. Notably, ESIC's Aadhaar linkage follows similar mandates already in place for schemes such as EPFO and direct benefit transfers, signalling a consistent policy direction toward biometric-anchored welfare delivery.
Benefits Available Under ESIC
The ESIC scheme provides a comprehensive range of benefits, including medical treatment, hospitalisation, and maternity care. Insured employees are also entitled to financial assistance during periods of sickness or temporary disablement. In cases of permanent disablement arising from employment injuries, disability benefits are available. Dependants of an insured employee who dies due to an employment injury may also receive financial assistance under the scheme.
What Beneficiaries Must Do Next
The government has urged all ESIC beneficiaries to complete the Aadhaar seeding process at the earliest to avoid any disruption in access to services. Failure to link Aadhaar could potentially affect a beneficiary's ability to avail medical, financial, and other entitlements under the scheme. With millions of workers enrolled under ESIC, the scale of this compliance requirement is significant, and timely action is strongly advised.
Point of View
Semi-formal employment with inconsistent access to smartphones or active SIM cards. The OTP-only authentication pathway could become a bottleneck for precisely those beneficiaries the scheme is designed to protect. The Centre has a strong record of announcing digital welfare mandates without proportionate outreach infrastructure, and ESIC's own enrolment and grievance systems have historically struggled with load. Whether this reform tightens delivery or inadvertently excludes vulnerable workers will depend entirely on how robustly the facilitation machinery is rolled out on the ground.
NationPress
9 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has ESIC made Aadhaar linking mandatory?
ESIC has mandated Aadhaar authentication under Section 142 of the Code on Social Security, 2020, to strengthen identity verification and ensure seamless delivery of benefits. The move is intended to reduce leakages and streamline access to ESIC services for eligible beneficiaries.
How can I link my Aadhaar with my ESIC Pehchan Card?
Visit the official ESIC website, go to the 'Insured Persons and Beneficiaries' section, and log in with your user ID and password. Select the 'Aadhaar Seeding for IP' option, find your name, enter your Aadhaar number, and complete verification via an OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.
Who is eligible for ESIC benefits and what is the wage ceiling?
Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month working in ESIC-covered factories and establishments are generally eligible. For persons with disabilities, the wage ceiling is ₹25,000 per month, subject to applicable rules.
What benefits could be affected if I do not link my Aadhaar?
Failure to complete Aadhaar seeding may disrupt access to the full range of ESIC benefits, including medical treatment, hospitalisation, maternity care, sickness allowance, disability benefits, and financial assistance for dependants in the event of an employment-related death.
What should I check before starting the Aadhaar seeding process?
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has advised beneficiaries to ensure that the mobile number registered with their Aadhaar is active and accessible before initiating the process, as OTP-based authentication is mandatory to complete the linking.
