Mohali Tribunal Mandates ESIC to Provide Retroactive Interest-Bearing Pensions to Widows

In a decisive ruling, the Mohali Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Commission has directed the ESIC to implement a comprehensive pension scheme for widows, mandating payments with accrued interest from the date of the spouse's death. The commission's order stipulates that beneficiaries receive a monthly dependents' pension equivalent to 90% of the deceased's wages, supplemented by 9% annual interest retroactively applied. This directive, enforceable within 30 days, underscores a significant shift toward enhanced social security measures, addressing long-standing grievances over delayed compensation. Analysts note that this ruling not only reinforces legal accountability but also sets a precedent for future cases involving statutory benefits. The ESIC's compliance is anticipated to alleviate financial hardships for affected families, while potentially prompting broader reforms in India's employee welfare frameworks. This development highlights the tribunal's proactive stance in safeguarding vulnerable populations, aligning with global trends in labor rights enforcement.