NEW DELHI: Union Labor Minister Bhupendra Yadav has told the Lok Sabha that steps will be taken to expand ESI scheme, including raising the pay ceiling to get ESI benefits. He said more workers in the unorganized sector would be part of the scheme when the Social Security Code passed by Parliament comes into force.

The minister was responding to NK Premachandran MP's demand that the ESI pay limit be raised to Rs 50,000. Currently, those earning more than Rs 21,000 per month are not eligible for ESI benefits. Premachandran pointed out that when there is a wage increase commensurate with the rise in prices, eligible workers are left out of the ESI scheme. He said this is against the basic objectives of the project.