New Wage ceiling 
The wage ceiling for coverage under the ESI Act has been enhanced from Rs. 6500/- to Rs. 7500/- per month w.e.f. 1.4.2004. Accordingly all employees whose salary excluding remuneration for over time work, exceeds Rs. 6500/- but does not exceed Rs. 7500/- per month would become coverable under the ESI Act, w.e.f. 1.4.2004.
Four more slabs of daily standard benefit rates have been added in the table of standard benefit rates contained in Rule 54 of ESI (Central) Rules, 1950, enhancing the maximum daily standard benefit rate from Rs. 125 to Rs. 145.
Action : Employer