SPREE 2025: ESIC Launches Special Drive to Expand Social Security Coverage for Unregistered Workers

Relevance: GS II Social Security & Labour Welfare

To increase ESI coverage for unregistered, contractual, and temporary workers, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) introduced SPREE 2025 (Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees). In order to improve labor welfare, encourage formal employment in India, and strengthen universal social protection, this time-bound program, which runs from July to December 2025, provides a streamlined, inspection-free registration process.

Why in News:

SPREE 2025 was accepted by the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) at its 196th ESI Corporation Meeting, which took place in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh.

About SPREE 2025

Under the ESI Act, it is a specific effort designed to increase social security coverage.

Its goal is to guarantee more comprehensive social protection by bringing excluded businesses and employees into the ESI umbrella.
Full name: Employer and Employee Registration Promotion Scheme
Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) launched it.
Ministry of Labor & Employment is the nodal ministry.

The program offers unregistered employers and employees, including contract and temporary workers, a one-time chance to enroll without being inspected or having their past due amounts collected. It will run from July 1st to December 31st, 2025.

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Employers can use the ESIC, Shram Suvidha, and MCA portals to digitally register their businesses and staff under SPREE 2025.

The date the employer declares will be the start of the registration period.
Prior to registration, there would be no contribution or benefit.
During the pre-registration period, no prior records will be inspected or requested.

Benefits include exemption from retroactive liabilities, a streamlined registration process, and social security that is accessible and inclusive.

Mains:

Question: The SPREE 2025 initiative reflects a shift towards inclusive and accessible social security in India. Critically evaluate how such initiatives can bridge the gap between informal and formal labour sectors while balancing the interests of employers and the state.

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MCQs

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Question: Consider the following statements regarding SPREE 2025:

It allows unregistered employers and employees to enrol under the ESI scheme without facing retrospective inspections or demand for past dues.
It will remain in effect from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Registration under SPREE 2025 can only be done through the ESIC portal.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1 only
1 and 2 only
1 and 3 only
1, 2 and 3

Answer: A. 1 only

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