On: 18 SEP 2025
ESIC Haryana Drives Awareness, Offers Amnesty with SPREE 2025 Scheme
Faridabad, [Date] – In a decisive move to bridge the compliance gap and extend the social security net to more workers, the Haryana Regional Office of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) recently convened an awareness seminar for the management of educational institutions in the region. The event, organized under the aegis of the Faridabad Progressive School Conference, served as a critical platform to educate school officials and establishment owners on their statutory duties and the extensive benefits of the ESI Scheme.
The seminar, led by Mr. Sugan Lal Meena, Regional Director of ESIC Haryana, delivered a clear and urgent message: the ESI Act, 1948, is not a voluntary welfare measure but a mandatory legal requirement for all establishments—including schools, clinics, shops, and offices—that employ 10 or more persons. Registration is compulsory within 15 days of crossing this employee threshold.
A Shield for Employers and Employees Alike
Mr. Meena elaborated that ESIC registration is a two-fold benefit. For employees, it is a comprehensive social safety net. For employers, it is a vital shield against significant financial liabilities. He emphasized that by registering under the ESI Scheme, employers are insulated from financial claims that could otherwise arise under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923, and the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961.
A stark warning was also issued regarding the consequences of non-compliance. Establishments that have remained outside the ESI fold, despite being eligible for years, not only deprive their employees of crucial benefits but also expose themselves to severe risks. These include retrospective demands for contributions, hefty interest penalties, and potential legal prosecution.
SPREE 2025: A Golden Window for Amnesty and Compliance
Addressing the primary fear that often deters non-compliant establishments—the prospect of massive retrospective liabilities—the seminar spotlighted the game-changing Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE) 2025.
Launched by ESIC under the Ministry of Labour & Employment, SPREE 2025 is a limited-time amnesty scheme designed to encourage voluntary compliance without the fear of past penalties. Its key features present a compelling case for immediate action:
- No Past Scrutiny: Newly registered establishments will not face inspection of their past records.
- Financial Amnesty: No demand will be raised for past contributions, interest, or penalties for periods before registration.
- Legal Immunity: No legal action will be initiated for past non-compliance.
- Fresh Start: The registration of the establishment owner will be considered effective from the date of application under SPREE 2025.
“This is a win-win situation for both employers and employees,” stated Mr. Sugan Lal Meena. “Establishments can regularize their status with a clean slate, while their workforce gains immediate access to the full spectrum of ESIC benefits.”
These benefits encompass medical care, sickness and maternity benefits, pensions for permanent disability and dependents, an unemployment allowance under the Atal Bimit Vyakti Kalyan Yojana, funeral expenses, and access to skill development and vocational training programs.
A Call to Action
The seminar witnessed active engagement from around 40 employers and institutional representatives, indicating a growing recognition of the need for compliance. The presence of prominent figures from the educational fraternity, including Chief Patron Mr. T.S. Dalal and President Mr. Narendra Parmar, underscored the collective intent to address this issue.
With the SPREE 2025 scheme open only until December 31, 2025, the ESIC has effectively set a deadline for establishments to step forward and secure social security for their employees. Establishment owners seeking assistance are urged to contact the dedicated helpline at 0129-2222980 / 981 for immediate support.
This initiative marks a significant step by ESIC Haryana to shift from a purely enforcement-based approach to a more collaborative, awareness-driven model, ultimately aiming to bring every eligible Indian worker under the protective umbrella of social security.