Published: 23 February 2026PIB / Dev Discourse / ESIC OfficialGovernance
ESIC Commences 75th Foundation Year Celebrations at Bharat Mandapam; ₹75 Commemorative Coin Released
On February 24, 2026, the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) commenced its 75th Foundation Year (Platinum Jubilee) celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event was presided over by Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya. The Government of India released a special ₹75 commemorative coin to mark the occasion, with the Ministry of Finance issuing a gazette notification on February 23, 2026 authorising it. A special Coffee Table Book titled 'ESIC@75' documenting the corporation's journey was also released.
ESIC was established on February 24, 1952 under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948, making it one of India's oldest and largest social security schemes. Starting with just about 1.2 lakh beneficiaries and a single dispensary in 1952, ESIC today serves over 15 crore beneficiaries through 166 hospitals, 17 medical colleges, and nearly 1,600 dispensaries nationwide. A Special Services Fortnight was announced from February 24 to March 10, 2026 across all field offices, hospitals, and medical institutions to enhance outreach to insured workers.
For Rajasthan, ESIC is particularly relevant as the state has a large organised manufacturing sector including textiles (Bhilwara), cement (Chittorgarh), and mining industries, where ESI coverage protects lakhs of workers.
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Q: Trace the evolution of ESIC from inception to its Platinum Jubilee, highlighting its significance as India's social security framework for organised workers.
Answer (50 words):
Established February 24, 1952 under the ESI Act 1948, ESIC grew from 1.2 lakh beneficiaries to serving over 15 crore through 166 hospitals, 17 medical colleges, and 1,600 dispensaries. Its 75th Foundation Year at Bharat Mandapam featured a ₹75 commemorative coin and Special Services Fortnight until March 10, 2026.
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Linked questionMedium
On which date did ESIC commence its 75th Foundation Year celebrations at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi?
Explanation · Correct answer AESIC commenced the celebration of its 75th Year of Service at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on February 24, 2026. The event marked over seven decades of service to workers and their families and was addressed by the Union Minister for Labour and Employment.
Frequently asked questions
When was ESIC established and under which Act?
ESIC (Employees' State Insurance Corporation) was established in 1952 under the Employees' State Insurance Act, 1948. The Act was enacted to provide social security and health insurance benefits to industrial workers and their dependants.
How many beneficiaries does ESIC currently cover and through how many hospitals?
ESIC currently covers over 15 crore (150 million) beneficiaries across India through a network of 166 hospitals and over 1,600 dispensaries, making it one of the largest social security organisations in the world.
What was the significance of the ₹75 commemorative coin released at the ESIC event on February 24, 2026?
The ₹75 commemorative coin was released to mark the 75th Foundation Year of ESIC, celebrated at Bharat Mandapam on February 24, 2026. The coin symbolises ESIC's seven-and-a-half decades of providing social security to organised sector workers in India.
What benefits does ESIC provide to its insured members?
ESIC provides a comprehensive range of social security benefits including medical care, sickness benefit, maternity benefit, disablement benefit (for employment injuries), dependent's benefit (for families of deceased workers), and funeral expenses — covering workers from illness to occupational hazards.
What was the Special Services Fortnight declared by ESIC in February 2026?
Alongside the 75th Foundation Year celebrations, ESIC declared a Special Services Fortnight from February 24 to March 10, 2026. The initiative aimed at improving access to health services for workers by organising special outreach camps, medical check-ups, and awareness drives across ESIC facilities.
