ESI and EPF are applicable to all casual and temporary workers who are engaged to work within the premises of the factory/ establishment covered by ESI or PF, as the case may be. However, there are certain judgement which says that when a workman is engaged for any work not connected with the activity of the establishment, he need not be covered by ESI. The Kerala High Court in Regional Director ESI Corporation Vs P R Narahari Rao (1986 Lab I C 1981) has observed that there is a distinction between "employment" and "engagement" and if a person is casually engaged for a process unconnected with the operations of the establishment, or some work which does not form the integral part of such operations, he may not be an employee since there would be no employer employee relationship between them. On the other hand, if a person is employed for a very short period of time but in connection with the processes or operations which are integral and connected with the business of the establishment,he is an employee entitled to coverage under the Act. The Punjab and Haryana High Court in ESI Corporation Vs. Malhotra & Co, Chandigarh (1981 Lab I.C 475) has also given a similar verdict. Therefore, if the painting work is not the main business of the establishment, you may not contribute to ESI/ EPF saying that the work to which he is 'engaged' is not the integral process of your business. read more at: https://www.citehr.com/337045-pf-esic-work-done-contract-basis.html