The Employees' State Insurance (ESI) scheme is a social security and health insurance program in India, designed to provide financial protection to employees in case of sickness, maternity, disablement, or death due to employment injury. Here are some key points:

1. Coverage: The ESI scheme applies to factories and other establishments employing 10 or more persons. Employees earning up to ₹21,000 per month (₹25,000 for persons with disabilities) are eligible;
2. Contributions: Both the employer and the employee contribute to the ESI fund. The employer contributes 3.25% of the employee's wages, while the employee contributes 0.75%;
3. Benefits: The scheme provides a range of benefits, including medical care for the insured person and their family, cash benefits during sickness and maternity leave, disability benefits, and dependents' benefits in case of death due to employment injury;
4. Administration: The scheme is managed by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), which operates under the Ministry of Labour and Employment;
5. Returns:Employers can file the returns online through the ESIC portal twice a year. For the period from April 1st to September 30th, the return is due by November 11th. For the period from October 1st to March 31st, the return is due by May 11th.

The ESI scheme aims to ensure that employees and their families have access to necessary medical care and financial support during times of need.