The provisional payroll data released by the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) shows that 15.43 lakh new employees were added in February 2025. Additionally, 23,526 new establishments were brought under the coverage of the ESI Scheme during the same month, extending social security benefits to a larger workforce.
The data also highlights a year-on-year growth in the number of employees who paid contributions during the month. In February 2024, 2,91,38,395 employees contributed, while in February 2025, this number rose to 2,97,04,614, marking an increase of 5,66,219 contributors.
Out of the total new additions in February 2025, 7.36 lakh employees—approximately 47.7%—belong to the age group of up to 25 years, indicating a significant influx of younger individuals into the workforce. A gender-wise analysis reveals that 3.35 lakh female employees were enrolled under the ESI Scheme in the same month. Furthermore, 74 transgender employees also registered, underscoring ESIC’s inclusive approach and commitment to extending social security to all sections of society.
It is important to note that the payroll data is provisional, as the process of data collection and updating is ongoing.