16.33 Lakh Workers Enrolled for ESI Benefits in March; Nearly 49% Aged Up to 25

In March 2025, more than 16.33 lakh new workers enrolled under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme. This marked a clear rise in formal job creation across the country. Compared to the previous month of February, which saw 15.44 lakh new registrations, there was a growth of 5.79% in enrolment.

This increase signifies a strengthening of the formal workforce and a steady expansion of social protection for workers in the organised sector.

Significant Youth Participation in the Workforce

Among the newly enrolled individuals, nearly 7.96 lakh were aged up to 25 years. This suggests a notable influx of young people entering formal employment in India.

The high percentage of youth participation points to fresh entries into the workforce, possibly from recent graduates or young professionals starting their careers under formal employment conditions.

Read More: 15.43 Lakh New Employees, Including 3.35 Lakh Women, Enrolled Under ESI Scheme in February. 

Rise in Gender Diversity Among New Joiners

Out of the total number of new workers registered in March 2025, 3.61 lakh were women. Additionally, 100 transgender individuals were enrolled under the ESI scheme.

This inclusion reflects an ongoing shift towards a more diverse workforce, with growing representation of underrepresented groups in formal employment and social security frameworks.

Broader Establishment Coverage Enhances Social Security

Alongside the rise in worker enrolment, 31,514 new establishments were registered under the Employees’ State Insurance scheme during the same month.

The addition of these establishments indicates broader implementation of social security measures across different sectors. With more businesses covered under the scheme, a greater number of employees now benefit from medical, financial, and social protection offered by ESI services.

Monthly Payroll Data as a Measure of Employment Trends

The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) continues to release monthly payroll data as part of its efforts to provide insight into employment trends.

These figures, compiled through the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, serve as an indicator of formal employment expansion and offer a snapshot of workforce inclusion within social security networks.

Conclusion

The data from March 2025 underscores ongoing developments in India’s employment landscape, particularly the widening coverage of social security. With lakhs of workers joining the scheme and thousands of establishments coming under its scope, the ESI system continues to play a vital role in reflecting the shift towards formalisation of employment.

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