Rules 11-12 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 11 is the meeting code for the Central Board, the ESI Corporation, the National Social Security Board, the State Building Workers' Welfare Board and their committees: how often they meet, how notice is given, what the quorum is, how votes and minutes work and what allowances members get. Rule 12 says what happens after a board is superseded under section 11 of the Code.
The Central Board and the Corporation meet at least twice a year; their Executive and Standing Committees at least four times; the Medical Benefit Committee twice; the National Social Security Board and State Building Workers' Welfare Board at least three times. Ordinary meetings need not less than fifteen days' notice. Minutes go to members and the Government within four weeks. Where a board is superseded under section 11, the Government must appoint new members and may make interim arrangements.
Meeting frequency and special meetings (rule 11(1))
| Body | Minimum meetings a year |
|---|---|
| Central Board | 2 |
| Corporation (ESIC) | 2 |
| Executive Committee of the Central Board | 4 |
| Standing Committee of the Corporation | 4 |
| Medical Benefit Committee | 2 |
| National Social Security Board | 3 |
| State Building Workers' Welfare Board | 3 |
Meetings are held at the place and time decided by the Chairperson. A special meeting may be called whenever the Chairperson thinks fit, and must be called within fifteen days of a written requisition from not less than one half of the members, specifying the object.
Notice and agenda (rule 11(2) and (3))
- Ordinary meeting: notice of not less than fifteen days from issue, with date, time, place and a list of business approved by the Chairperson, sent by e-mail, registered speed post or special messenger. A brief note on each agenda item follows as soon as possible.
- Emergency meeting: the Chairperson may give such reasonable time of notice as he considers necessary for an urgent matter.
- No other business may be taken up without the permission of the Chairperson of the meeting.
- The Chairperson, or in his absence the Vice-Chairperson, presides; if both are absent, a trustee or member nominated by the Chairperson presides.
For employers sitting on such bodies as employer representatives, these notice and record rules shape their obligations; if you need help understanding how they interact with your other statutory duties, see our legal consultation service.
Quorum (rule 11(4))
| Body | Quorum |
|---|---|
| Central Board | 11 trustees |
| Executive Committee | 4 members |
| Corporation | 15 members |
| Standing Committee | 5 members |
| Medical Benefit Committee | 7 members |
| National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers | 10 members |
| National Social Security Board for Gig Workers and Platform Workers | 6 members |
| State Building Workers' Welfare Board | 4 members |
If there is no quorum, the Chairperson adjourns the meeting for an hour, after which the business may be disposed of irrespective of the number attending.
Substitutes, voting and minutes
Substitutes (rule 11(5))
A trustee or member unable to attend may, by a signed written instrument explaining the reasons, appoint any representative of the organisation he represents as a substitute for that meeting. The appointment is valid only if approved by the Chairperson and the instrument is received before the date fixed. The substitute has the rights, powers, allowances and obligations of the member for that meeting. The absent member stays liable for misappropriation or misapplication of the fund by the substitute, and for acts of misfeasance or non-feasance by him.
Voting (rule 11(6))
Questions are decided by majority of those present and voting, and the Chairperson has an additional casting vote on a tie. The Chairperson may direct a question to be decided by circulation of papers, in which case the majority of opinions received in time prevails, and if equally divided the Chairperson's opinion prevails. Any member may ask that such a question be taken up at a meeting; the Chairperson may agree and must if three or more members ask.
Minutes (rule 11(7))
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Circulation | Minutes with names of those present go to each member and the Central Government (State Government for the State Building Workers' Welfare Board) as soon as possible and not later than four weeks after the meeting |
| Central Board and Executive Committee | Records signed by the Central Provident Fund Commissioner with the Chairperson's approval |
| Confirmation | Minutes confirmed, with modifications if needed, at the next meeting |
| Minute-books | Kept in separate books and signed by the Chairperson of the meeting where confirmed |
| Copy to Government | A confirmed copy goes to the Central (or State) Government within fifteen days of confirmation |
| Inspection | Minute-books open for inspection without charge by members at the principal office during office hours on working days |
Allowances (rule 11(8))
Non-official trustees and members are allowed travelling and daily allowance at the rates admissible to Central Government officers holding a post in Level 11 in the pay matrix. Members of Parliament and State legislatures are paid under the law for those bodies. A Minister's allowances follow the rules applicable to him for official journeys. No allowance is claimed for a day of journey if the member draws the same allowance elsewhere or uses transport provided by the Government or his employer. Allowances are also payable for sub-committee meetings, and official members draw their allowance from their department, which the body reimburses on demand.
Rule 12: reconstitution after supersession
Section 11 of the Code lets the Government supersede the Central Board, the Corporation, the National Social Security Board for Unorganised Workers, the State Unorganised Workers' Social Security Board or the State Building and Other Construction Workers' Welfare Board. When that happens, rule 12 says the Central or State Government, as applicable, shall:
- appoint or cause to be appointed or elected new trustees or members in accordance with section 4, 5, 6 (read with the proviso to section 114(6)) or 7, as the case may be; and
- in its discretion, make such arrangement for such period as it thinks fit to exercise the powers and perform the functions of the superseded body.
See our article on sections 10, 11 and 12.
A worked example
The Standing Committee of the Corporation is convened for 20 March. Notice must have been issued not later than 5 March (fifteen days from issue). Only four members attend; the quorum is five. The Chairperson adjourns the meeting for an hour, and when it resumes the business may be disposed of whatever the attendance. The minutes are forwarded to members and the Central Government by 17 April (four weeks after 20 March). (Illustrative.)
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Key takeaways
- Minimum meetings: Board and Corporation 2; Executive and Standing Committees 4; Medical Benefit Committee 2; National and State building boards 3.
- 15 days' notice for ordinary meetings; special meeting within 15 days of a requisition by half the members.
- Quorum: from 4 (Executive Committee, State building board) to 15 (Corporation).
- Minutes go out within four weeks; confirmed copy to Government within 15 days.
- After supersession under s.11, the Government appoints new members and may make interim arrangements.
Read next
- Rules 9 and 10: National Social Security Board and welfare measures
- Rule 13: Filing of appeals before the Tribunal
- Sections 8 and 9: Disqualification of members and procedure of social security organisations
- Rule 8: ESIC Standing Committee and Medical Benefit Committee
Disclaimer: Based on the Code on Social Security, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Code on Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 344(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.