What Is ESIC SPREE? Complete Guide for Employers in India

The ESIC SPREE (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers and Employees) 2025 is a groundbreaking initiative by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) aimed at simplifying compliance and expanding social security coverage for workers across India. Launched on July 1, 2025, and running until December 31, 2025, this one-time registration scheme offers employers a unique opportunity to enroll their businesses and employees under the ESI Act, 1948, without facing retrospective penalties or inspections. For Indian employers, understanding ESIC SPREE is crucial to ensure compliance, avoid legal complications, and provide employees with essential social security benefits.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what ESIC SPREE is, its benefits, eligibility criteria, registration process, and why it’s a game-changer for employers in India. Whether you’re a small business owner or manage a large enterprise, this blog will help you navigate the scheme and leverage its advantages.

What Is ESIC SPREE?

ESIC SPREE stands for the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers and Employees, a special initiative introduced by ESIC to encourage voluntary compliance among employers. Approved during ESIC’s 196th meeting on June 27, 2025, under the chairmanship of Labour & Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, the scheme addresses the challenges faced by unregistered employers and employees, particularly in the organized sector. It aims to bring more factories, establishments, and workers under the ESI Act’s social security net by simplifying the registration process and removing the fear of punitive actions for past non-compliance.

The ESIC SPREE scheme is active from July 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025, and is designed to promote digital, transparent, and hassle-free registration. Employers with 10 or more employees can register through platforms like the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha, or the MCA portal, ensuring a seamless process.

Why Was ESIC SPREE Introduced?

Many employers in India, especially small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), have historically struggled to comply with the ESI Act due to complex registration processes, fear of retrospective penalties, or lack of awareness. As a result, numerous eligible employees miss out on critical benefits like medical care, sickness allowance, maternity benefits, and disability support. ESIC SPREE was launched to address these barriers by:

• Encouraging Voluntary Compliance: The scheme offers immunity from retrospective liabilities, making it easier for employers to regularize their status.

• Simplifying Registration: Digital platforms streamline the process, eliminating the need for physical inspections or extensive paperwork.

• Expanding Social Security Coverage: By bringing more workers under the ESI Act, the scheme ensures access to health and financial benefits, particularly for contractual and temporary workers.

• Reducing Legal Risks: Employers can avoid penalties and legal action for prior non-compliance by registering during the SPREE period.

This initiative reflects ESIC’s commitment to fostering a supportive environment for both employers and employees, aligning with India’s broader goal of inclusive growth.

Eligibility for ESIC SPREE

The ESIC SPREE scheme applies to employers and establishments meeting the following criteria under the ESI Act, 1948:

• Establishments Covered: Factories, shops, hotels, restaurants, cinemas, road transport companies, newspapers, private medical institutions, and educational institutions with 10 or more employees.

• Employee Wage Threshold: Employees earning wages up to ₹21,000 per month are eligible for ESI benefits, including apprentices and trainees under specific conditions.

• Unregistered Employers: The scheme targets employers who have not yet registered with ESIC, offering them a penalty-free opportunity to comply.

Casual workers are not covered under the scheme, but contractual and temporary workers in eligible establishments are included. Employers must verify their eligibility based on workforce size and employee wages before proceeding with registration.

Benefits of ESIC SPREE for Employers

Participating in ESIC SPREE offers numerous advantages for employers, making it a strategic move for businesses aiming to comply with regulations and enhance employee welfare. Key benefits include:

1. No Retrospective Penalties: Employers registering during the SPREE period are exempt from penalties or contributions for periods before the declared registration date. This eliminates the financial burden of backdated dues.

2. No Pre-Registration Inspections: Unlike standard ESIC registration, SPREE does not require inspections or audits of past records, simplifying the process.

3. Digital and Transparent Process: Registration is fully digital, conducted through user-friendly platforms like the ESIC portal, Shram Suvidha, or MCA portal, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

4. Enhanced Employee Welfare: By enrolling employees under the ESI Act, employers provide access to medical care, sickness benefits (70% of wages for up to 91 days annually), maternity benefits, disability support, and dependent benefits, boosting employee satisfaction and retention.

5. Legal Compliance: Registering under SPREE ensures compliance with the ESI Act, reducing the risk of legal action or fines for non-compliance.

6. Improved Business Reputation: Demonstrating commitment to employee welfare enhances your brand’s reputation, attracting talent and customers who value social responsibility.

Benefits for Employees

Employees covered under ESIC SPREE gain access to a wide range of social security benefits, including:

• Medical Care: Comprehensive healthcare for employees and their families, including hospitalization and specialist consultations.

• Sickness Benefits: Financial support at 70% of wages for up to 91 days during certified illnesses.

• Maternity Benefits: Support for female employees during pregnancy and childbirth.

• Disability and Dependent Benefits: Compensation for work-related injuries or support for dependents in case of an employee’s death due to occupational hazards.

• Unemployment Allowance: Assistance under schemes like the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana for employees facing involuntary unemployment.

These benefits create a safety net for workers, ensuring financial stability and access to healthcare during challenging times.

How to Register Under ESIC SPREE

The ESIC SPREE registration process is designed to be straightforward and digital, minimizing administrative hurdles. Follow these steps to register:

1. Determine Eligibility: Confirm that your establishment has 10 or more employees and that employee wages meet the ₹21,000 threshold.

2. Access the Registration Portal: Use one of the following platforms:

   • ESIC Portal (www.esic.in)

   • Shram Suvidha Portal (shramsuvidha.gov.in)

   • MCA Portal (www.mca.gov.in)

3. Submit Employer Details: Provide details such as the establishment’s name, address, number of employees, and date of registration (which can be declared by the employer).

4. Upload Required Documents: Common documents include:

   • PAN card of the establishment

   • Certificate of incorporation or registration

   • List of employees with wage details

   • Proof of address

   • Bank account details

5. Complete Registration: Submit the application and receive an ESIC registration number. No inspections or past record demands will be made for the pre-registration period.

6. File Returns: After registration, employers must file regular returns and contribute to the ESI fund as per the Act’s requirements.