SDG 1: No Poverty | SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Institutions: Ministry of Labour & Employment
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Haryana Regional Office recently organized an awareness seminar under SPREE 2025 (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers & Employees), aimed at encouraging establishments to register under the ESI Scheme (Employees’ State Insurance Scheme, established under the ESI Act, 1948, administered by the ESIC). The seminar, conducted at the Faridabad Progressive School Conference, targeted school officials and employers, informing them about the legal requirement to register when an establishment reaches 10 employees, along with the benefits of coverage under ESI. Under SPREE 2025, new registrants will be exempted from retrospective inspections, demands for past contributions, penalties, or legal action. The scheme is open until 31 December 2025, offering a time-limited opportunity for eligible establishments to regularize compliance.
The press release marks a concerted effort to broaden social security inclusion under India’s statutory welfare regime. By reducing barriers to fresh registration, SPREE 2025 can help bring more informal or non-compliant workplaces into formal protection, strengthening the social safety net and reducing enforcement burdens.
Explainer: ESIC vs SPREE
ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Corporation): A statutory body under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, administering contributory social security for workers. Covers establishments with 10+ employees and workers earning up to ₹21,000/month (₹25,000 for PwDs). Provides medical, sickness, maternity, disability, and dependents’ benefits. Funded by employer (3.25%) and employee (0.75%) contributions.
SPREE (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers & Employees): A time-bound ESIC initiative to widen registration. Employers registering during SPREE are exempt from retrospective inspections and past contribution demands. The current window, SPREE 2025, remains open until 31 December 2025.
Relevant Question for Policy Stakeholders: Beyond registration drives like SPREE 2025, what institutional reforms and digital innovations are needed to make ESI compliance routine for employers and ensure continuous, equitable access to social security for workers?
Follow the full news here: PIB Release – Emphasis on SPREE 2025