New Delhi, May 7: Union Labour and Employment Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide initiative to provide free annual health check-ups for all workers aged 40 years and above.
Speaking at ESIC Medical College and Hospital in Delhi, Mandaviya said the move reflects the government’s commitment to strengthening social security and healthcare support for workers across the country.
Describing the occasion as a tribute to the country’s “Shram Shakti”, the minister said the implementation of the four Labour Codes under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership aims to ensure dignity, welfare, and social security for workers.
He said the government has focused over the past 12 years on empowering workers and youth through employment generation and welfare measures. According to him, social security coverage in India has expanded from nearly 30 crore people a decade ago to around 94 crore beneficiaries today, increasing from 19 per cent to 64 per cent.
Mandaviya also noted that ESIC coverage has nearly doubled from around 7 crore beneficiaries to approximately 15 crore over the same period.
Under the new initiative, annual health screenings will be conducted across the country for workers above 40 years of age. He said early detection through regular check-ups can help prevent serious illnesses, while treatment and medicines identified during the camps will be provided through ESIC facilities.
Highlighting labour reforms introduced under the four Labour Codes, the minister said provisions have been made for equal wages for men and women, maternity leave has been increased from 12 to 26 weeks, and work-from-home options for women employees have been included.
He further stated that gig and platform workers have also been brought under the ambit of social security through the new labour framework.
Mandaviya added that workers engaged in hazardous occupations and employees in establishments with fewer than 10 workers are now being covered under ESIC benefits.
The launch event was also held simultaneously at 11 other ESIC hospitals across the country in the presence of state labour ministers, MPs, MLAs, senior officials, employers’ representatives, and workers.
