As mandated by Labour Codes, Union Minister of Labour & Employment Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched the nationwide annual health check-up initiative for all 40-year-old and beyond workers at ESIC Medical College & Hospital, Basaidarapur, in national capital.
Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Mansukh 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,” he said the government is committed to strengthening social security coverage for all workers.
He said the 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, as per a statement issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
At the same time, the ESIC coverage, according to him, has increased from around 7 crore beneficiaries a decade ago to nearly 15 crore beneficiaries today.
Mandaviya said free health check-ups for all workers above 40 years of age will now be conducted across the country every year.
He said that early detection through health screenings can help prevent serious diseases and informed that treatment and medicines identified during the camps will be provided through ESIC facilities.
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, said the Ministry.
On key labour reforms, 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.
He further stated that 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.
Published on May 7, 2026