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Permanent Disablement Benefit (PDB)
(a) PDB is payable to an IP who suffers permanent
residual disablement as a result of EI (including Occupational Diseases) and
results in loss of earning capacity. The proper authority for assessing loss
of earning capacity for injuries is the Medical Board and for Occupational
Diseases, Special Medical Board.
(b) The duration of PDB may be for the period given by
Medical Board, if assessment is provisional or for entire life if assessment
is final.
(c) PDB Rate: The PDB rate is calculated as percentage of
loss of earning capacity as assessed by the Medical Board/MAT/EI Court in
relation to TDB. List of injuries deemed to result in permanent total
disablement and percentage loss of earning capacity has been previewed in 2nd
Schedule to ESIC Act, 1948. Hence, the maximum rate of PDB can be equal to
the rate of TDB.
PDB amount is revised by the ESIC from time to time to
adjust for inflation. The latest enhancement is with effect from 01.08.2002
(d) Commutation of PDB (Regulation 76-B): IP whose PDB
has been assessed as final and who has been awarded the same at the rate not
exceeding Rs.1.50 per day may apply for commutation of periodical payments
of PDB into a lump-sum. When an application for commutation is made within 6
months of the date of communication of Medical Board decision periodical
payments shall be commuted into a lump sum provided the total commuted value
does not exceed Rs.10,000 at the time of commencement of final award.
However, where such an application is made after expiry of 6 months, LO/RO
will refer the case to MR/PTMR to certify whether the IP has an average
expectation of life for his age. Such a certificate is issued by Medical
Referee in the relevant place on RO/LO letter.
(e) Age of an IP will have to be proved to the
satisfaction of the Corporation in all cases. Medical Boards assess the age
of IPs who are not able to produce satisfactory proof of age and opinion of
Medical Board shall be final in this regard.
