ESIC Extends Amnesty Scheme Deadline to December 31, 2026
The ESIC has extended the deadline for its new amnesty scheme to December 31, 2026, allowing employers more time to resolve disputes.
New Delhi, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : The Government of India announced on Thursday that it has extended the deadline for the new amnesty scheme until December 31, 2026. This extension aims to provide employers and insured individuals with additional time to resolve pending cases.
After reviewing feedback from various stakeholders, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) decided to prolong the scheme’s duration. Initially scheduled from October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026, the scheme will now run for an additional three months, concluding on December 31, 2026, under the existing rules and conditions.
The new amnesty scheme serves as a one-time dispute resolution initiative designed to reduce the backlog of cases pending in courts and to enhance compliance with the old ESI Act. It offers employers a structured method to settle legal disputes with the ESIC outside of court.
“The New Amnesty Scheme, 2025, provides a practical and employer-friendly route for dispute resolution, supporting the government’s broader goal of improving ease of doing business while safeguarding the rights of citizens associated with the ESIC,” an official statement noted.
Under this scheme, disputes can be resolved by paying the actual contributions and interest, with no penalties imposed. Employers who have already settled outstanding dues can withdraw cases by paying just 10% of the disputed penalties. Additionally, cases filed due to late payments or failure to submit records that have since been complied with can also be withdrawn with court approval.
According to the official statement, cases filed in court by March 31, 2025, are eligible for this scheme. The extension provides eligible employers and insured individuals with extra time to take advantage of this opportunity.
The Ministry of Labour advised all relevant stakeholders to utilize the extended deadline before it closes on December 31, 2026. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Labour and Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya, recently stated that the ESIC is providing health security to 250 million people across India.
