Labour Ministry marks two years of fast ESIC schemes’ expansion

Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Governor E S L Narasimhan graced the occasion as chief guest. Minister of State (Independent Charge) Labour and Employment Bandaru Dattatreya presided over the function. Minister of Home, Labour & Employment, Telangana Nayini Narasimha Reddy also graced the function as guests of honour. Besides this, the function was also graced by many other dignitaries from ministry of labour and employment with active participation. 

  

During the last two years, Ministry of Labour & Employment has launched many new initiatives in tune with the Prime Minister’s approach of ‘Reform to Transform’. The key priority areas are employment generation, ensuring job security, wage security and social security to the workforce of the country, bringing transparency and accountability in enforcement of labour laws and above all upholding the dignity of labour. 

Efforts are also made to promote industrial activity through ‘Make in India’, enhancing employability through ‘Skill India’ and encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship through ‘Start up India’. During the last two years the ministry has achieved several milestones  like expansion of ESI Scheme & Health Services to new areas across the country, improved the medical service delivery system, extended coverage in the 393 districts across the country, launched IT initiatives under ‘Project Panchdeep’. States like Manipur and Andaman & Nicobar Islands were covered under ESI Scheme,  with  Arunachal Pradesh to be and Manipur are to be covered soon. 

The ministry aims to bring all 681 districts of the country under ESI coverage by December, 2016. The ministry also aims to open of health scheme for selected group of unorganised workers like auto rickshaw drivers on pilot basis in Hyderabad and Delhi.  The ministry has extended ESI coverage and benefits to construction workers in the implemented areas from 1st August, 2015. Facilities for Cancer, Cardiology, Dialysis, Dental, CT Scan, MRI and ICU facilities are introduced on PPP model in ESIC Hospitals and  also Pathology and X-Ray facilities in ESIC Dispensaries. 

 AYUSH and Yoga have been introduced in ESIC Hospitals introducing facility for telemedicine. The ministry is resolved to set up two model hospitals and one super speciality hospital in each state. Also ESIC-2.0 reform agenda have been launched with facilities for changing bed sheets every day in ESIC hospitals, online electronic health records, 24x7 medical helpline, special OPD for senior citizens and differently-abled persons and grading of hopitals based on performance.