Govt Unveils SPREE Scheme To Boost ESI Signups; ICIM Chairman Satendra Singh Calls It A Key Step For Workers’ Welfare

In a step to expand social security coverage for India’s workforce, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched the Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees (SPREE). This initiative, approved in ESIC’s 196th meeting on June 27, 2025, will remain open for six months—from July 1 to December 31, 2025. The SPREE scheme aims to encourage factories, establishments, and employers to voluntarily register themselves and their employees under the Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948, without the fear of punitive action for past non-compliance.

The SPREE scheme provides a one-time option for employers who may have previously fallen outside the ambit of the Act to regularise their obligations. Importantly, employees registered during this period will be treated as covered from their date of registration or as declared by the employer. The initiative aims to extend ESI benefits—including cash compensation during sickness, maternity support, disablement coverage, and medical care—to a larger number of previously unregistered workers and their families.

Mr. Satendra Singh, Chairman of the Indian Council of Industrial Management (ICIM), lauded this development, calling it “a very good initiative by the Ministry of Labour and Employment that will significantly strengthen the social security net across the country.”

Speaking to the press, Mr. Singh observed, “Millions of workers, especially in small and medium enterprises, remain outside the social protection system despite being eligible. The SPREE scheme is a progressive and pragmatic measure that provides a much-needed chance for both employers and employees to come on board without fear of retrospective penalties. This is not only beneficial for workers but will also help build a culture of compliance and transparency among establishments.”

The SPREE scheme has several key features:

1. No Retrospective Action – Employers registering during the scheme will be deemed compliant from the date of registration or their declared date, shielding them from penalties for prior periods.

2. Simplified Registration – Newly registered employees will be considered covered from their date of joining as declared, easing administrative processes.

3. Protection of Previous Actions – The scheme clarifies that any enforcement actions already taken before July 1, 2025, remain unaffected.

Officials from the ESIC Headquarters have directed all Regional and Sub-Regional Offices to ensure widespread publicity of the scheme through outreach meetings, seminars, and engagement with employers’ associations. Local media campaigns are also planned to maximize awareness among industries, particularly in the unorganized sector.

Mr. Singh added, “ICIM fully supports this initiative and encourages all employers to take advantage of this window to regularise their workforce. We will extend every possible assistance to our member companies in understanding and implementing the provisions.”

The SPREE scheme is part of the government's efforts aimed at supporting worker welfare and promoting broader economic participation across India. Experts believe that with proactive participation from employers, the scheme could substantially expand ESI coverage and reinforce the nation’s social security infrastructure.

Employers seeking to access this benefit can contact their respective ESIC offices or visit the ESIC website for online registration assistance.

About Satendra Singh

Satendra Singh is the Chairman of the Indian Council of Industrial Management (ICIM), a national organization focused on industrial growth, business practices, and enhancing workforce welfare across India. Under his leadership, ICIM has played a role in connecting policymakers and industry stakeholders, especially in the domains of labor reform, compliance facilitation, and capacity building for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). With an understanding of India’s evolving industrial ecosystem, Mr. Singh has supported initiatives at balancing economic development with social responsibility.

Mr. Singh has supported various labor-related schemes introduced by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, with a focus on inclusive policy approaches. His vision for ICIM focuses on creating a transparent, compliant, and worker-friendly industrial environment. Through frequent industry dialogues, workshops, and advisory support, he has played a key role in sensitizing businesses about labor laws and social security frameworks like ESI and EPFO. Mr. Singh’s involvement with both entrepreneurs and policymakers reflects his focus on contributing to the development of an industrial sector that considers future needs and social factors.