Chhattisgarh High Court: Schools and Colleges Covered Under ESI Act

The Chhattisgarh High Court has dismissed a challenge by educational institutions and ruled that schools and colleges fall under the purview of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, requiring them to provide health insurance and social security benefits to their employees.

The court emphasised that the Act applies to all establishments employing 10 or more people, including the education sector, ensuring worker welfare.

The court referred to the Supreme Court's decision in Christian Medical College Hospital Employees' Union vs Christian Medical College Vellore Association, which held that labour laws are enforceable against minority institutions.