Of course, an exemption is permissible from the operation of provisions of the Act subject to the condition that the employees in a factory or establishment covered are otherwise in receipt of benefits substantially similar or superior to those provided under the ESI Act. The appropriate Government may grant an exemption to such factory or establishment for a period of one year at a time prospectively in consultation with ESI Corporation. Application for renewal is to be made three months before the date of expiry of the period exemption.