Employee State Insurance — Mains Questions

Critically analyze the effectiveness of the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme in providing comprehensive social security to organized sector workers in India. Suggest reforms to enhance its reach and quality of services.

The Code on Social Security, 2020, aims to significantly reform India's social security landscape. In this context, discuss how the proposed changes under the Code are likely to impact the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme and its beneficiaries.

Compare and contrast the Employee State Insurance (ESI) scheme with the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) in terms of their objectives, coverage, and funding mechanisms. What are the implications of their potential integration for India's universal healthcare ambitions?