ESIC launches ‘SPREE 2025’ to boost employee registration under social security scheme, decision taken at Shimla meeting

TNR News Network
SHIMLA:
In a significant move aimed at expanding social security coverage, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has approved SPREE 2025, a special drive to promote the registration of employers and employees. The decision was taken during the 196th meeting of ESIC held in Shimla under the chairmanship of Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports.

SPREE (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers and Employees) 2025 is a time-bound initiative that offers a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and workers, including those working on contract and in temporary positions, to enroll under the ESI Act without facing penalties, inspections or recovery of past dues.

The scheme will be active from July 1 to December 31, 2025, and is designed to encourage voluntary compliance by removing the fear of retrospective penalties and simplifying the registration process.

Key highlights of SPREE 2025:
• Digital registration is enabled through the ESIC portal, labour facilitation portal and MCA portal.
• The registration will be considered valid from the date declared by the employer.
• No contribution or benefits will be applicable for the pre-registration period.
• There will be no inspection or demand for past records for the period prior to enrollment.
This forward-looking policy marks a departure from earlier practices where delays in registration often led to legal action and recovery of backdated dues. SPREE 2025 removes these barriers, aiming to bring left-out establishments and workers, particularly those in the informal and contract sectors, under the umbrella of social security.

By facilitating easier enrollment and providing immunity from retrospective liabilities, SPREE 2025 is expected to significantly increase coverage under the ESI Act. The scheme supports ESIC’s broader mission to create a welfare-centric labour ecosystem in India and to strengthen its outreach in line with the vision of universal social protection.