New Delhi, Jan. 1 -- The Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has extended the Scheme for Promotion of Registration of Employers and Employees (SPREE 2025) by one month, following representations from employers, employer associations and State governments.

The scheme, originally scheduled to conclude on December 31, 2025, will now remain operational until January 31, 2026.

SPREE 2025 has been in effect since July 1, 2025, with the objective of expanding social security coverage under the Employees' State Insurance (ESI) Act by encouraging voluntary registration of unregistered establishments and workers.

The scheme was approved during the 196th meeting of the ESI Corporation held in Shimla and chaired by Union Minister for Lab...