The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has rolled out the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE), aimed at increasing the coverage under the ESI Act, 1948. This one-time scheme is designed to encourage registration of uncovered factories, establishments, and employees without the fear of retrospective penalties.
The scheme was approved in ESIC’s 196th meeting held on 27th June 2025 and will remain open from 1st July 2025 to 31st December 2025.
🧾 Purpose of the SPREE Scheme
Under the ESI Act, employers must register within 15 days of becoming eligible. However, many establishments and employees remain unregistered due to various reasons. SPREE 2025 provides a grace period to facilitate registration without any retrospective effect or punitive action.
🔍 Key Features of SPREE 2025
- ✅ No Retrospective Coverage
Employers registering during the SPREE period will be covered from the date of registration or from the declared date, whichever is later. - 👷 Newly Registered Employees Covered from Date of Registration
Employees registered under the scheme will also be treated as covered from their registration date, with no retroactive liabilities. - ⚖️ No Effect on Past Actions
Any enforcement actions or liabilities before 1st July 2025 remain unaffected. The scheme does not waive past dues or legal actions, if initiated earlier. - 📢 Outreach and Awareness Initiatives
- ESIC has instructed field offices to publicize the scheme through media, employer associations, seminars, and outreach meetings.
- Fortnightly reports are to be submitted to the Revenue Branch HQ.
🤝 Appeal to Employers and Associations
All employers are urged to voluntarily come forward and register themselves and their employees under the ESI Act. Associations are encouraged to disseminate the information widely so that no eligible unit or employee is left uncovered.
🗓️ Scheme Timeline:
Start Date: July 1, 2025
End Date: December 31, 2025
The SPREE scheme presents a golden opportunity for non-compliant establishments to regularize their status without facing punitive measures, while ensuring social security coverage for more workers across the country.