Union Labour & Employment Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya chaired the 196th ESIC meeting in Shimla, where several key reforms were approved to enhance healthcare delivery, coverage, and legal compliance under the ESI scheme.
Key Approvals:
- SPREE Relaunch (July–Dec 2025):
The “Scheme to Promote Registration of Employers/Employees” will reopen to bring unregistered employers and workers, including contract staff, under ESI. The focus is on voluntary compliance, not penalties. - Amnesty Scheme 2025 (Oct 2025–Sept 2026):
A one-time window for settling disputes and reducing litigation. Includes contribution-related cases and long-pending insured person cases without recent notices. - Simplified Damages Framework:
The damages rate for late payments has been reduced from 25% annually to a flat 1% per month, making the system simpler and more employer-friendly. - RGSKY Relaxation Powers:
ESIC’s Director General can now allow late applications (beyond 12 months) under the Rajiv Gandhi Shramik Kalyan Yojana on a case-by-case basis. - Revised AYUSH Policy:
Traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda, Yoga, and Homeopathy will be integrated into ESI hospitals for preventive and wellness-focused care. - New Healthcare Staff:
Yoga therapists and Panchakarma technicians/attendants will be hired to strengthen holistic care in ESIC facilities. - Pilot with Charitable Hospitals:
A new project will partner with charitable hospitals in underserved districts to provide affordable, quality care from OPD to emergency services to ESI beneficiaries.
The meeting included MPs, top ESIC officials, and representatives from central and state governments, employers, and employees.
