The Employees State Insurance Act covers employees drawing wages not exceeding?

Correct option is C

Sol. The Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act provides social security to employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month. It covers medical, disability, maternity, and dependent benefits. The wage ceiling was last revised to ₹21,000 w.e.f. January 1, 2017. Employees earning beyond this are not eligible for ESI benefits.
Explanation of each option:
· (a) Rs. 19,000 – This was an older threshold before the 2017 revision. It no longer applies under the current notification.
· (b) Rs. 20,000 – Close, but not accurate. Though it may be considered during proposals, it's not the legal ceiling.
· (c) Rs. 21,000 – Correct. It is the official and current upper limit for ESI coverage for salaried employees.
· (d) Rs. 22,000 – Exceeds the allowed limit under ESI Act; employees earning this are ineligible for ESI.