The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) added 20.36 lakh new employees to the ESI scheme in July 2025, marking a 5% rise from June. More than 31,000 establishments came under the scheme’s ambit, reflecting steady growth in formal job creation. Significantly, nearly half of the new joiners were under 25 years, 4.3 lakh women enrolled, and 88 transgender employees registered, underlining ESIC’s inclusivity.
Core Development
According to provisional payroll data released by the Labour Ministry, ESIC added 20.36 lakh members in July compared to 19.37 lakh in June.
New establishments added: 31,146
Youth enrolment (≤25 years): 9.85 lakh (48.4%)
Women enrolled: 4.33 lakh
Transgender employees: 88
Officials said the data shows expanding coverage of India’s formal social security system, reaching workers across sectors and demographics.
Key Drivers / Issues
Rising formalisation of employment post-pandemic.
Increased employer compliance, bringing more establishments under ESIC.
Strong uptake among youth and women, reflecting changing workforce dynamics.
Policy thrust on universal social security.
Stakeholder Impact
For workers, ESIC enrolment provides medical, insurance, and wage-loss protection benefits. Employers gain structured compliance channels, while the government strengthens its welfare outreach. The enrolment of transgender employees reflects progress in inclusive policy coverage.
Industry & Policy Reactions
Labour ministry officials highlighted that the July data validates India’s push toward expanding social protection. Policy experts view the enrolment trends as a sign of growing confidence in formal job markets and government welfare infrastructure.
Challenges Ahead
Ensuring timely delivery of ESIC benefits.
Extending coverage to gig and platform workers.
Strengthening healthcare infrastructure to support rising enrolments.
Strategic Outlook
As India’s workforce formalises, ESIC’s role as a safety net provider will expand further. Digitalisation of enrolment and medical services could make ESIC more efficient, inclusive, and future-ready.
Why This Matters
The addition of 20 lakh+ employees in a single month signals robust job creation and deeper formalisation of India’s labour market. It strengthens the foundation of a comprehensive social security ecosystem.
