‘Shram Shakti’ Core of Modi Govt’s Governance: Mandaviya

• Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya inaugurates new OPD block at ESIC Hospital, Sanathnagar.
• ESIC beneficiary base doubles from 7.5 crore to over 15 crore in 10 years.
• ₹211.13-crore facility to serve over 12.3 lakh insured persons in Telangana.
• Minister says workers’ welfare remains central to the Modi government’s governance.

GG News Bureau
Hyderabad, 14th July: Union Minister for Labour and Employment Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday inaugurated the new Outpatient Department (OPD) Block of ESIC Hospital, Sanathnagar, in Telangana, stating that the Modi government remains committed to ensuring dignity, respect and social security for the country’s workforce.

Built at a cost of ₹211.13 crore, the new facility will provide modern healthcare services to more than 12.3 lakh insured persons and beneficiaries across Telangana, including Hyderabad, Medchal-Malkajgiri, Sangareddy, Ranga Reddy and Mahabubnagar districts.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Mandaviya said “Seva” and “Samman” for the nation’s Shram Shakti are at the core of the government’s governance philosophy. He described workers and youth as the two strongest pillars of nation-building and said technology and Artificial Intelligence cannot replace the contribution of the workforce.

Highlighting the expansion of social security, the Minister said the number of ESIC beneficiaries has doubled from around 7.5 crore a decade ago to over 15 crore today. He added that, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), India’s social security coverage has increased from 19 per cent in 2014 to over 64 per cent, covering nearly 94 crore people.

Dr. Mandaviya also highlighted key welfare initiatives undertaken by the government, including free food grains for over 80 crore beneficiaries and the construction of more than four crore pucca houses, saying these measures have strengthened the quality of life for workers.

Speaking on labour reforms, he said the four Labour Codes have replaced 29 existing labour laws, introducing simplified and worker-friendly provisions such as mandatory appointment letters, annual health check-ups for workers above 40 years, equal wages for men and women, and gratuity eligibility after one year of service.

During the event, the Union Minister honoured construction workers involved in building the new OPD block and distributed cash benefits to ESIC beneficiaries.

The newly inaugurated facility includes specialty OPDs, 180 general beds, 25 ICU beds, 20 NICU beds, radiology services, AYUSH, rehabilitation facilities, medical stores and a clinical lecture theatre, significantly strengthening healthcare infrastructure for insured workers across the state.