The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (SIC) has released its provisional payroll data for the month of February 2025, revealing a significant surge in employment and expansion of social security coverage across the country. According to the data, a total of 15.43 lakh new employees have been added under the Scheme during the month, highlighting a positive trend in formal job creation and workforce inclusivity.

Over 15 Lakh New Employees Registered Under ESI in Feb 2025

In a clear sign of growing formal employment in India, the latest provisional data from ESIC reveals that 15.43 lakh new employees were added under the Employees’ State Insurance (ESI) Scheme in February 2025. This development reflects the government’s continuous efforts to extend comprehensive social security coverage to workers across various sectors, particularly those engaged in contractual and wage-based employment.

23,526 New Establishments Covered Under ESI

Notably, 23,526 new establishments were also registered under the ESI Scheme in the same month, enabling more businesses to offer social protection benefits like medical care, insurance, and other welfare measures to their workforce. This growth reflects an increasing compliance by enterprises and improved outreach by ESIC in ensuring employee welfare.

Employment Growth Compared to February 2024

The year-on-year comparison reveals a noticeable rise in employee participation under the scheme:

Category Feb 2024 Feb 2025 Growth

Number of employees who paid contribution

2,91,38,395

2,97,04,614

+5,66,219

This increase underscores steady economic recovery and the growing importance of formal employment channels that offer workers essential benefits under schemes like ESI.

Youth Driving New Registrations: 47.7% Aged Below 25

One of the key highlights from the data is the increasing participation of youth in the workforce. Out of the 15.43 lakh new registrations, 7.36 lakh employees, accounting for approximately 47.7%, belong to the age group of up to 25 years. This marks a significant contribution from the younger demographic and indicates growing employment opportunities for fresh graduates and early-career professionals in formal sectors.

Rise in Female and Transgender Enrolments

The gender-wise analysis of the payroll data points toward an encouraging trend of inclusivity:

• 3.35 lakh new female employees were registered in Feb 2025, signaling continued efforts to boost female participation in the workforce.
• 74 transgender individuals also enrolled under the ESI Scheme during the same period — a step that underlines ESIC’s commitment to making social security benefits accessible to all sections of society, irrespective of gender identity.

These figures highlight ESIC’s push towards fostering diversity, equality, and empowerment through its social protection initiatives.

Data is Provisional and Continuously Updated

ESIC has clarified that the payroll data is provisional, as data generation is a continuous and evolving process. Monthly figures are subject to revisions as new data streams in from employers and establishments across the country.

Conclusion

The ESIC’s payroll statistics for February 2025 offer encouraging insights into India’s labor market. With over 15 lakh new employees registered and thousands of new establishments joining the ESI Scheme, the report highlights the ongoing formalization of employment and growing trust in India’s social security mechanisms.

The significant representation of young workers, increasing female participation, and the inclusion of transgender employees demonstrate a broader, more inclusive workforce. As ESIC continues to expand its coverage, it stands as a pillar of support in ensuring health, , and dignity for workers across the country.