ESIC launches SPREE-2025 to expand Social Security Coverage

Mysore/Mysuru: The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved SPREE- 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees) during its 196th ESI Corporation Meeting held in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, under the Chairmanship of Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports recently.

SPREE-2025 is a special initiative aimed at expanding social security coverage under the ESI Act. The Scheme will be active from July 1 to Dec.31, 2025 and provides a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and employees — including contractual and temporary workers — to enrol without facing inspections or demands for past dues.

Under SPREE-2025, employers can register their units and employees digitally through the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha and MCAportal. Registration will be considered valid from the date declared by the employer. No contribution or benefit will apply for periods prior to registration. No inspection or demand for past records will be made for the pre-registration period.

SPREE encourages voluntary compliance by removing the fear of retrospective penalties and easing the registration process.

Prior to SPREE, non-registration within specified timeframes could result in legal action and a demand for backdated dues. SPREE 2025 addresses these barriers, aiming to bring left-out establishments and workers into the ESI fold and ensure broader social protection.

By simplifying the registration process and offering immunity from retrospective liabilities, the scheme not only encourages employers to regularise their workforce but also ensures that more workers, especially those in contractual sectors, gain access to essential health and social benefits under the ESI Act.

This post was published on July 11, 2025 6:28 pm