Extension of SPREE Scheme by ESIC

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), vide notification dated 31^st December 2025, has declared the extension of the SPREE Scheme (Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees) until 31^st January 2026.

Previously, the ESIC had initiated the aforementioned scheme via circular no. P-11/12/Agenda/06/2016-Revenuell, dated 1^st July 2025, which was originally set to conclude on 31^st December 2025. In light of the representations received from the employers, members, and state governments, the ESIC has opted to prolong the scheme until 31^st January 2026. This initiative is introduced by the ESIC to motivate employers to enrol themselves and their employees under the ESI Act, should they not have done so already, without the concern of retrospective coverage and punitive measures.

The scheme encompasses the following features:

Employers who register during this period will be considered covered from the date of their registration or from a date they specify.

Newly registered employees will be regarded as covered from the date of their registration.

This will not affect any actions taken or required under the ESI Act prior to 1^st July 2025.

All employers and employees who have yet to benefit from the Scheme are encouraged to take advantage of this extended opportunity and ensure that all units and employees eligible under the ESI provisions are properly registered.