Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched SPREE 2025—the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees.
Approved during ESIC’s 196th meeting held in Shimla under the chairmanship of Union Labour & Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the scheme is active from July 1 to December 31, 2025.
It aims to bring unregistered employers and employees, including contractual and temporary workers, under the ambit of the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Act, 1948.
ESIC SPREE 2025 Key Features: One-Time Amnesty and Digital Ease
SPREE 2025 offers a one-time opportunity for employers and workers to register without fear of retrospective penalties, inspections, or demands for past dues.
This amnesty-based approach is designed to encourage voluntary compliance and simplify the registration process.
Highlights of the scheme include:
- Digital registration via the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha portal, and Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) portal
- No inspections or demands for contributions for the pre-registration period
- Registration validity begins from the date declared by the employer
- No legal action for prior non-compliance
This framework removes long-standing barriers that previously discouraged small and medium enterprises from enrolling under the ESI scheme.
ESIC Targeting the Informal and Contractual Workforce
SPREE 2025 is especially significant for India’s informal sector, which includes seasonal, gig, and contractual workers—many of whom lack access to health insurance, maternity benefits, and disability compensation.
By simplifying entry into the ESI system, the scheme aims to regularize employment and extend healthcare and social protection to millions of previously excluded workers.
The scheme also aligns with India’s broader goals under Sustainable Development Goal 8, which promotes inclusive economic growth, productive employment, and decent work for all.
Historical Context and Impact Potential
Originally launched in 2016, SPREE has already facilitated the registration of over 88,000 employers and 1.02 crore employees.
The 2025 iteration builds on this success, with ESIC planning a nationwide awareness campaign to reach left-out establishments and workers.
The scheme complements other ESIC initiatives such as:
- Amnesty Scheme 2025: A dispute resolution window to reduce litigation
- Simplified Damages Framework: Replacing graded penalties with a fixed rate of 1% per month
- Revised AYUSH Policy: Integrating traditional medicine into ESIC healthcare
- Pilot Partnerships with Charitable Hospitals: Expanding access in underserved regions
Leadership Commentary and Vision
Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya emphasized that SPREE 2025 is a critical step toward building a welfare-centric labour ecosystem.
By focusing on regulatory empathy, digital accessibility, and collaborative outreach, ESIC aims to transform India’s social security landscape.
“SPREE 2025 is not just a registration drive—it’s a milestone in our journey toward inclusive development,” Mansukh stated during the launch.
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