Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Dec 31: The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has announced a one-month extension of its Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE 2025), allowing eligible establishments to enrol under the ESI framework until January 31, 2026.
Originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025, the scheme has been extended in response to requests from employers, industry associations and state governments, ESIC said in an official statement. SPREE 2025 has been in operation since July 1, 2025, with the objective of widening social security coverage under the Employees’ State Insurance Act.
Approved at the 196th meeting of the ESI Corporation in Shimla under the chairmanship of Union Labour and Employment Minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, the scheme offers a one-time opportunity for unregistered employers and employees to join the ESI system without facing inspections, penalties or demands for past contributions.
Under the extended window, employers can digitally register their establishments and workforce through the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha portal or the MCA portal. Registration will be effective from the date chosen by the employer. Establishments that were previously outside the ESI net will not be required to submit old records or pay retrospective contributions if they register by the new deadline.
However, ESIC cautioned that establishments failing to avail themselves of the scheme by January 31, 2026, will be liable for past dues along with interest, damages and possible legal action.
The extension, ESIC said, reflects its emphasis on voluntary compliance and its broader aim of expanding social security coverage across the workforce, in line with the goals of the newly implemented Code on Social Security.
ESIC functions under the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment and administers the Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, which provides medical care and cash benefits such as sickness, maternity and disability support to insured workers and their families.