Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Free Annual Health Check‑up for Workers 40+ under ESIC – Expanding Social Security

<h3>Overview</h3> <p>On <strong>7 May 2026</strong>, <span class="key-term" data-definition="Mansukh Mandaviya — Union Minister for Labour and Employment, responsible for labour‑related policies (GS2: Polity)">Mansukh Mandaviya</span> inaugurated a nation‑wide, free, annual health‑check‑up scheme for all workers aged 40 and above. The launch took place at the <span class="key-term" data-definition="Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) — Statutory body that provides health insurance and social security to workers under the Social Security Code (GS3: Economy)">ESIC</span> Medical College and Hospital in Delhi and was simultaneously observed at 11 other ESIC hospitals across India.</p> <h3>Key Developments</h3> <ul> <li>Free health screenings will be conducted yearly for every worker above 40 years, with diagnosis, treatment and medicines supplied through ESIC facilities.</li> <li>The initiative underscores the implementation of the four <span class="key-term" data-definition="Labour Codes — Consolidated statutes (Code on Wages, Industrial Relations, Occupational Safety, Social Security) aimed at simplifying labour regulation and extending benefits (GS2: Polity)">Labour Codes</span>, reflecting the Modi government’s pledge to enhance worker dignity and welfare.</li> <li>Equal remuneration for men and women, extension of maternity leave from 12 to 26 weeks, and work‑from‑home provisions for women have been codified.</li> <li>Coverage now extends to <span class="key-term" data-definition="Gig and platform workers — Individuals engaged in app‑based, non‑traditional employment, often lacking formal contracts (GS3: Economy)">gig and platform workers</span>, hazardous occupations, and establishments with fewer than ten employees.</li> <li>Social security beneficiaries have risen from roughly <strong>30 crore</strong> a decade ago to about <strong>94 crore</strong> today (coverage up from 9 % to 64 %). ESIC enrolment alone grew from <strong>7 crore</strong> to <strong>15 crore</strong> beneficiaries.</li> </ul> <h3>Important Facts</h3> <p>The scheme is part of a broader narrative the Minister described as a day dedicated to the honour of <span class="key-term" data-definition="Shram Shakti — Government slogan meaning ‘worker power’, used to highlight policies aimed at labour welfare (GS2: Polity)">Shram Shakti</span>. Over the past 12 years, the Modi administration has also promoted <span class="key-term" data-definition="Yuva Shakti — Slogan denoting youth empowerment through employment and skill‑building initiatives (GS2: Polity)">Yuva Shakti</span>, linking job creation with social security expansion.</p> <p>By bringing previously excluded categories—such as hazardous‑job workers and tiny establishments—under ESIC, the government aims to create a more inclusive safety net, reducing the informal sector’s vulnerability.</p> <h3>UPSC Relevance</h3> <p>Understanding this development is crucial for GS II (Polity) and GS III (Economy). It illustrates how legislative reforms (Labour Codes) translate into concrete welfare measures, reflecting the government's commitment to social security (a key indicator of development). The expansion of ESIC coverage ties directly to discussions on health‑related social insurance, labour rights, and the challenges of integrating gig‑economy workers into formal frameworks—topics frequently asked in UPSC mains and prelims.</p> <h3>Way Forward</h3> <p>Effective implementation will require robust monitoring mechanisms, especially in remote and informal sectors. Strengthening data‑driven enrolment, ensuring timely disbursement of medicines, and creating awareness among workers about their entitlements will be essential. Additionally, periodic review of the health‑check‑up protocol can help align services with emerging occupational health risks.</p>