New Delhi, May 7 (IANS). Union Minister of Labor & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Thursday launched the nationwide annual health checkup initiative for all workers aged 40 years and above. This is an important step towards strengthening occupational health care and social security coverage for the country’s workforce.
Under the new labor codes, it is mandatory to undergo health checkup for workers 40 years of age and above.
The Center said the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has worked to empower “labor power” and “youth power” in the last 12 years through employment generation and welfare measures.
Describing the occasion as a day dedicated to honoring “labour power”, he said the government is committed to strengthening social security coverage for all workers.
The Union Minister said that the government under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi has worked to empower “labor power” and “youth power” in the last 12 years through employment generation and welfare measures.
Mandaviya said that there has been a significant expansion in social security coverage in the country, which has increased from about 30 crore people a decade ago to about 94 crore beneficiaries today, that is, social security coverage has increased from 19 percent to 64 percent.
He also informed that the number of beneficiaries covered under ESIC was about 7 crore a decade ago, which has increased to about 15 crore today.
He said that early diagnosis through health check-up can help in preventing serious diseases. He informed that treatment and medicines for diseases identified during the check-up camps will be made available through ESIC facilities.
Highlighting the major labor reforms under the four labor codes, Dr. Mandaviya said provisions for equal pay for male and female 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 included.
Dr. Mandaviya further said that while countries around the world are still exploring ways to bring gig and platform workers under the social security framework, the Modi government has actively ensured their inclusion through the new Labor Code.
According to the Union Minister, workers engaged in hazardous occupations and even those working in establishments with less than 10 employees are now being brought under the ambit of ESIC.
–IANS
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