Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, the provisions relating to the Employees' State Insurance (ES

Explanation: Section 1(4) read with the provisions of Chapter IV of the Code on Social Security, 2020 governs the applicability of the Employees' State Insurance Scheme. The ESI provisions generally apply to every establishment in which ten or more persons are employed, other than a seasonal factory. In the case of certain hazardous establishments carrying on specified hazardous or life-threatening occupations, the Scheme applies even where a single worker is employed. The Code also allows voluntary application of the ESI Scheme to establishments employing fewer than ten persons, with the consent of the employer and employees. Once an establishment is covered, the provisions continue to apply notwithstanding a later reduction in the number of employees below the threshold. This expands the social security coverage to a wider class of workers, including those in hazardous employment.