Workers Demand Expansion of ESI Coverage in Guwahati Protest

Protests led by the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) erupted in Bamunimaidam, Guwahati, urging expansion of Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) coverage. Demonstrators demanded raising the ESI eligibility ceiling from ₹21,000 to ₹35,000 and improving medical facilities, including super-speciality hospitals in Tinsukia and Silchar.

The protest highlighted the exclusion of many contractual workers, especially in the oil industry, due to wage increases. Workers also criticized poor medical facilities at the Beltola model hospital and called for simplified referral processes.

Protestors warned of larger demonstrations if their demands were not addressed.