New Delhi: The government has extended the New Amnesty Scheme 2025 by three months, giving employers and insured persons more time to settle pending cases with the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
The Labour Ministry announced the extension on Thursday after receiving requests from various stakeholders. The scheme was earlier scheduled to close on September 30, 2026. It will now remain open until December 31, 2026, under the same terms and conditions.
The scheme was launched as a one-time opportunity to help employers settle disputes with ESIC without going through lengthy court proceedings. It also aims to reduce the number of pending cases and encourage employers to comply with their obligations under the erstwhile ESI Act.
What Does the Scheme Offer?
The scheme covers several types of disputes, including cases related to assessments, unpaid dues and delayed payments.
Employers facing ad-hoc assessments can settle their cases by paying the actual contributions and interest. No damages will be charged in such cases.
There is also relief for employers who have already paid their dues but are still facing legal proceedings. Such cases can be withdrawn if they pay 10 per cent of the disputed damages.
Cases filed by ESIC over failure to submit records or delays in payment can also be withdrawn with the court’s permission, provided the required compliance has since been completed.
According to the official statement, cases filed in court up to March 31, 2025, are eligible under the scheme.
Employers Get Three More Months
With the deadline extended, eligible employers and insured persons now have until December 31 to apply for relief under the scheme.
The Labour Ministry has urged stakeholders to use the additional time rather than wait until the deadline approaches. The initiative is intended to make dispute resolution easier for employers while reducing the burden of pending cases.
Meanwhile, Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya recently said that ESIC provides health security to around 25 crore people across the country.