ESIC Issues New Laptop Procurement Policy for Officials

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), under the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India, has announced a new laptop procurement policy for its officials. The updated policy aims to improve efficiency and ensure that the provision of laptops aligns with the specific job requirements of ESIC employees. The policy supersedes all previous guidelines and comes into immediate effect.

Eligibility Criteria for Laptop Procurement

Under the new policy, the eligibility criteria are defined for both non-medical and medical posts:

Non-Medical Posts

1. Social Security Officer: Eligible only for those entrusted with inspections, coverage, and ICT duties. The issuance should not exceed 20% of in-position officers per region.
2. Assistant Director and Equivalent Level Officers (Engineering and Rajbhasha Cadre): Eligibility varies by assignment:
   • 100% Eligibility: Officers working in ICT, Public Relations, Internal Audit, and PG Division during the assignment period.
   • Up to 50% Eligibility: Other officers of equivalent rank, excluding those mentioned above.
3. Deputy Director and Above: All officers in this cadre are 100% eligible for a laptop.

Medical Posts

• Medical Officers Holding Administrative Posts: Includes Medical Commissioner, Zonal Medical Commissioner, Deputy Medical Commissioner, and several other designated administrative roles.

Cost and Procurement Details

• Cost Ceiling: The cost of the device shall be INR 1,00,000/- (plus taxes). For laptops made in India with more than 40% domestic components, the cost ceiling is set at INR 1,30,000/- (plus taxes).
• Procurement Procedures: Laptops will be procured by the Head of the Accounting Unit for field offices, ensuring adherence to GFR and CVC guidelines.

Safety and Maintenance Responsibilities

• Device Ownership: The laptop will remain the property of ESIC for four years from the date of purchase. Maintenance costs after the warranty period are to be borne by the office concerned, and officers are personally responsible for the safety and security of their laptops.
• Insurance: Officers are allowed to insure the laptop at their own expense.

Depreciation and Retention Policy

• Depreciation: Laptops depreciate at 25% per year using a straight-line method. This depreciation is crucial for calculating the book value of the device upon its return or retention by the officer.
• Retention After Four Years: After four years of usage, officers can retain their issued laptops, provided all data is wiped before transfer.
• Beyond Economical Repair (BER): Devices declared as beyond economical repair will be retained by the employee without any charges.

Conditions During Transfer or Resignation

• On Transfer or Superannuation: Officers on deputation, retiring, or resigning within four years of laptop issuance may retain the laptop by paying the book value calculated based on the remaining period.
• Transfer Between ESIC Units: Officers transferring within ESIC are required to carry their assigned laptops, with details explicitly mentioned in the Last Pay Certificate (LPC).

Instructions for Current Laptop Holders

For officials currently holding laptops under earlier policies, the terms and conditions for retention will now be governed as per the latest guidelines under Paragraph 8 of the new policy.