Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana by ESIC

The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) is a welfare initiative introduced by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC). This scheme, first launched as a pilot project on July 1, 2018, aims to provide financial relief to insured persons (IPs) who become unemployed. It is part of India’s efforts to ensure social security for workers in times of distress due to job loss. The ABVKY scheme offers cash compensation to unemployed individuals, helping them manage their livelihood while they search for new employment.

In this article, we will explore the key details of the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana, including its benefits, eligibility criteria, application process, and other essential information.

What is Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY)?

The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) is designed to provide relief to employees who lose their jobs and are covered under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) scheme. The scheme offers a financial safety net by compensating up to 50% of the average per-day earnings of an insured person, subject to certain conditions.

The scheme aims to assist insured persons (IPs) who have contributed to the ESI scheme for a minimum period of two years and have contributed for at least 78 days in each of the three consecutive contribution periods immediately before the claim of relief. It provides relief for a maximum period of 90 days during unemployment.

Key Benefits of Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana provides multiple benefits to the insured persons who meet the eligibility requirements:

1. Relief Payment: The scheme provides a 50% cash compensation based on the average per-day earnings during the last employment.
2. Maximum Unemployment Relief Duration: The relief amount is provided for a maximum period of 90 days of unemployment. This relief can only be claimed once in a lifetime under the scheme.
3. Eligibility for Medical Benefits: During the period of availing relief, the insured person is also eligible for medical benefits as provided under the ESI Act.
4. Conditions for Relief: To avail of the relief, the employee should meet specific conditions such as having been employed for at least two years, contributing a minimum of 78 days in each of the three consecutive contribution periods immediately preceding the claim, and being unemployed due to valid reasons.

Eligibility Criteria for Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The eligibility criteria for the ABVKY are designed to ensure that only those who have contributed significantly to the ESI scheme and have genuine reasons for unemployment can claim relief. The following are the eligibility requirements:

1. Unemployed Insured Person: The applicant must be unemployed during the period when the relief is claimed.
2. Minimum Employment Period: The applicant should have been in insurable employment for at least two years immediately before the unemployment.
3. Contribution Requirement: The insured person must have contributed for not less than 78 days in each of the preceding three contribution periods.
4. Employer’s Contribution: The contribution to the ESI scheme should have been paid or payable by the employer for the insured person.
5. Reason for Unemployment: The unemployment must not be due to voluntary retirement, misconduct, superannuation, or voluntary abandonment of employment.
6. Aadhaar and Bank Account Linking: The insured person’s Aadhaar and bank account must be linked with the insured person’s database for smooth processing of the claim.
7. No Other Relief: As per the ESI Act, the insured person will not be entitled to any other cash compensation or relief under ABVKY during the same period.

Disqualification and Termination of Relief

While the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana provides relief to unemployed insured persons, there are certain conditions under which the relief may be disqualified or terminated:

1. Lockout: If the employee is unemployed due to a lockout in the workplace, the relief is not applicable.
2. Illegal Strike: If the unemployment is due to a strike declared illegal by the competent authority, the relief will be terminated.
3. Voluntary Retirement or Abandonment: If the insured person voluntarily leaves their employment or takes voluntary retirement, they will no longer be eligible for relief.
4. Superannuation: When the insured person reaches the age of retirement (superannuation), they become ineligible for the relief.
5. Reemployment: If the insured person gets re-employed during the relief period, the relief will be discontinued.
6. Death: The relief will cease in the event of the death of the insured person.
7. Punishment for False Statements: If the insured person is found guilty of providing false information, they will be disqualified from receiving relief.

Application Process for Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana

The application process for the ABVKY is designed to be user-friendly, allowing insured persons to submit their claims both online and offline. The following is the detailed step-by-step process for applying for the scheme:

Online Application Process

1. Visit the Official Website: The applicant should go to the ESIC official website (https://esic.gov.in) to apply for the relief.
2. Sign-Up: New users will need to sign up by providing their Insurance Number, Date of Birth, and Mobile Number to create a unique User Name and Password.
3. Login: Once the user has signed up, they can log in to the portal using their credentials.
4. Claim Benefits: After logging in, the insured person should select the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) to claim the benefits.
5. Fill the Form: The applicant must fill in all mandatory details, including bank details and personal information.
6. Download and Fill AB-1 Form: The applicant must download the AB-1 Form, fill in the necessary details, and upload the scanned copy of the form along with an Aadhaar Card.
7. Submit the Application: Once all required documents are uploaded, the application can be submitted.
8. Employer Letter: The system will generate a letter for the employer, which must be signed by the applicant and submitted along with the claim form.
9. Verification: The claim will be verified by the Branch Office staff, who will calculate the eligibility and quantum of relief. Once verified, the relief amount will be transferred directly to the applicant’s bank account.

Mode of Payment

The relief amount under the ABVKY will be electronically transferred to the insured person’s bank account through the Branch Office. In the event of the death of the insured person, the relief amount will be transferred to the nominee or legal heir through an account payee cheque.

If the bank account details are not available in the ESIC database, the applicant can provide a cancelled cheque leaf or passbook with the bank account details for verification by the Branch Manager.

Documents Required for the Application

To successfully apply for the Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana, the following documents are required:

1. Aadhaar Card: A valid Aadhaar card for identity verification.
2. Bank Passbook/Cancelled Cheque: To verify bank account details, including account number, IFSC code, and branch name.
3. Insurance Details: Information about the insured person’s ESI insurance number.
4. Address Proof: Proof of the insured person’s residential address.
5. Employer Details: Details of the employer to confirm the applicant’s employment history.
6. Affidavit: A signed affidavit by the applicant.
7. Salary Slip: Salary slip for the last two months to confirm employment and earnings.
8. Attendance Sheet: Attendance records for the applicant to confirm active employment.
9. Other Relevant Documents: Any additional documents as required by the ESIC Branch Office.

Conclusion

The Atal Beemit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana (ABVKY) serves as an essential social security measure for insured persons who face the challenge of unemployment. By providing financial relief during a difficult period, the scheme helps individuals manage their living expenses while seeking new employment opportunities. With the online and offline application options, the process has been simplified, making it easier for insured persons to avail of this relief.

If you are an insured person covered under the ESI Act and meet the eligibility requirements, applying for this scheme can provide you with much-needed financial support during your unemployment period.