SPREE 2025 Deadline Extended to 31 January 2026
Why in the news
Employers and workers who are still outside the ESI net got extra time to enrol. The Ministry of Labour and Employment moved the last date of SPREE 2025 to 31 January 2026.
Key facts
- Full form: Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees.
- Run by: Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), started in July 2025.
- Ministry: Labour and Employment.
- Legal base: Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948.
- New deadline: 31 January 2026.
| Feature | What it means for a registrant |
|---|---|
| No penalty or prosecution | No inspection, damages or demand linked to earlier non-compliance |
| No retrospective contribution | ESI contribution is payable only from the date of registration |
| Digital onboarding | Sign-up via the ESIC, Shram Suvidha and MCA portals |
| Inclusive coverage | Meant for establishments and workers who were left out before |
Objective
- Widen social security coverage under the ESI framework.
- Encourage voluntary registration of unregistered employers and uncovered workers.
Exam angle
- Expansion of SPREE: Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees.
- Implementing body: ESIC; parent ministry: Labour and Employment.
- Statute behind it: ESI Act, 1948.
- Core idea: registration without retrospective liability.