NEWS – In a major move to strengthen India’s social security framework and ease compliance for industries, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has rolled out two initiatives — SPREE-2025 and the Amnesty Scheme-2025. Both aim to expand ESIC coverage, reduce litigation, and foster voluntary compliance.

SPREE-2025: EXPANDING COVERAGE THROUGH VOLUNTARY REGISTRATION

• Duration: Operational till 31st December 2025.
• Objective: To promote registration of unregistered employers and employees under ESIC.
• Registration Process: Industries and workers can register via the ESI Portal, Shram Suvidha Portal, and MCA Portal without payment of past dues.
• Benefits:
  • Employers covered from the date of registration or declared date.
  • Employees gain immediate access to health and social security benefits.
• Focus: Encourages voluntary compliance, reduces disputes, and promotes a trust-based ecosystem between employers and employees.

AMNESTY SCHEME-2025: A ONE-TIME DISPUTE RESOLUTION WINDOW

• Validity: From 1st October 2025 to 30th September 2026.
• Purpose: To resolve long-pending disputes related to damages, interest, and coverage under the ESI Act.
• Key Features:
  • Opportunity for employers to settle old disputes and strengthen compliance.
  • Regional Directors empowered to withdraw cases where dues are cleared.
  • Provision to close cases filed against insured persons over five years ago, provided no notices were issued.
• Unique Aspect: For the first time, disputes related to damages, interest, and coverage issues are included under the scheme.