NEW DELHI, May 7: Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched a nationwide free annual health check-up initiative for all workers aged 40 and above.
Addressing the gathering at ESIC Medical College & Hospital in Delhi, Mandaviya said the implementation of the four Labour Codes reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s guarantee of ensuring dignity, welfare and social security for workers across the country.
Calling the occasion a day dedicated to the honour of ‘Shram Shakti’, the Labour and Employment Minister said the government is committed to strengthening social security coverage for all workers.
He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, the government has worked over the last 12 years to empower “Shram Shakti” and “Yuva Shakti” through employment generation and welfare measures.
He said that social security coverage in the country has expanded significantly from nearly 30 crore people a decade ago to around 94 crore beneficiaries today, increasing from 19 per cent to 64 per cent.
He further stated that ESIC coverage has increased from around 7 crore beneficiaries a decade ago to nearly 15 crore beneficiaries today. Launching the initiative, Mandaviya said that free health check-ups for all workers above 40 years of age will now be conducted yearly across the country.
Early detection through health screenings can help prevent serious diseases, and treatment and medicines identified during the camps will be provided through ESIC facilities, he added.
Highlighting key labour reforms under the four Labour Codes, the minister said that provisions for equal wages for men and women workers have been ensured, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks, and work-from-home provisions for women have also been incorporated.
While countries across the world are still exploring ways to bring gig and platform workers under social security frameworks, the Modi government has proactively ensured their inclusion through the new Labour Codes, he pointed out.
Mandaviya added that workers engaged in hazardous occupations and employees working even in establishments with fewer than 10 workers are now being brought under ESIC coverage.
He also stated that while workers earlier remained neglected and unheard, the present government has ensured that their concerns are being addressed with commitment and sensitivity.
The nationwide health check-up initiative is another important endeavour aimed at ensuring dignity, protection and better healthcare outcomes for the country’s workforce, he added.
The launch event was simultaneously observed across 11 other locations of the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospitals nationwide in the presence of State Labour Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of Legislative Assemblies, senior officials, employers’ representatives, workers, and other dignitaries. (AGENCIES)
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