VINIT WAHI / New Delhi
Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for workers aged 40 years and above, describing it as a major step towards strengthening occupational healthcare and expanding social security coverage for India’s workforce.
The initiative was launched from ESIC Medical College and Hospital and was simultaneously rolled out across 11 other Employees’ State Insurance Corporation hospitals in different parts of the country.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said the implementation of the four Labour Codes reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to ensuring dignity, welfare and social security for workers. Calling the occasion a tribute to the country’s “Shram Shakti,” he said the government remains focused on improving the lives of workers through welfare and employment initiatives.
The Minister said India’s social security coverage has expanded significantly over the last decade, rising from nearly 30 crore beneficiaries to around 94 crore people. According to him, coverage has increased from 19 per cent of the population to nearly 64 per cent during this period.
https://twitter.com/mansukhmandviya/status/2052289438131290588/photo/1
Highlighting the growth of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation scheme, Dr. Mandaviya said ESIC beneficiaries have increased from around 7 crore a decade ago to nearly 15 crore today.
Under the newly launched initiative, workers above 40 years of age will receive free annual health screenings across the country. The Minister said the programme is aimed at early detection of diseases and timely medical intervention. Treatment and medicines required after diagnosis during the health camps will also be provided through ESIC facilities.
Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted major labour reforms introduced under the four Labour Codes. He said provisions for equal wages for men and women workers have been strengthened, maternity leave has been enhanced from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, and work-from-home provisions for women employees have also been included.
The Minister noted that India has also moved to include gig and platform workers within the social security framework, an area where many countries are still evolving policy mechanisms. He added that workers employed in hazardous occupations and employees working in establishments with fewer than 10 workers are also being brought under ESIC coverage.
Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra and Ashok Kumar Singh were among those present at the launch event, which was attended by public representatives, labour officials, employers and workers from across the country.