ESIC all employees left, not able to file ESIC monthly contribution

Hi All,
I started a sole proprietor firm in 2017. Due to losses I had to close the business. All the employees have left. I have sent a letter to ESIC to surrender my ESIC code but there is no response from them yet.
I am not able to file zero returns as there is no employees. If I upload empty contribution spreadsheet in ESIC montly contribution it is throwing an error Do I need to file returns if there are zero employees.
Will ESIC consider me defaulter if i dont files monthly contributions because no one is currently employed in the firm. I am not able to visit them in person now as I am in working abroad now. Please advise
Thanks
Srini

Did you select the reason for zero salary and zero attendance as left service? If not, please do that and then upload.

I have entered last date for all employees and currently there are 0 employees listed in ESIC portal. Do I need to still file monthly contributions. Currently I am not able to file nil returns as I dont have any employees listed. Please advise

Till the RC is surrendered you are expected to file NIL returns. But under online system, once you have put ' left' all employees, you cannot upload any return of contribution. That would end the process. At the same time, you can also send a mail to the concerned Sub Regional Office stating that the unit has been closed RC surrendered.