Santosh Kumar Gangwar, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Labour and Employment, laid the foundation stone of 100 beds at ESIC Hospital, Srinagar. Manoj Sinha, Lt Governor of Jammu and  Kashmir, was the chief guest of this function.

While addressing the gathering, Gangwar informed about the various initiatives taken by the government of India to provide better care and services to the workers of our country.

During his address, he also shared about the recently passed three labour codes. He emphasised that with the passage of these bills, more workers will get the benefits of social security. He further informed that these bills will also ensure the ease of doing business.

He said that the ESIC has been working continuously since its inception to provide social security to its insured persons, who are low income workers. Now its reach is going to increase many folds from present number of approximately 13 crore beneficiaries base, as with passage of social security code, the ESI scheme will be implemented in the entire country.

The Minister informed that ESIC has taken number of measures to provide financial relief and health protection to the insured workers as well as general public during the pandemic. He further intimated that the rate of unemployment relief payable under Atal Bimit Kalyna Yojna has been enhanced from 25 per cent to 50 per cent. Also, there has been given relaxation in the qualifying criteria to the insured workers, who became unemployed due to COVID-19-induced lockdown for a further period of six months i.e. upto June 30, 2021. Further, ESIC is actively contributing in the management of COVID-19. A total of 21 ESIC Hospitals across India functioned as COVID-19 Dedicated Hospitals to exclusively provide COVID medical services to the general public.

Gangwar shared that ESIC has collaborated with PMJAY — Ayushman Bharat for providing medical services in those areas where facilities of ESI Scheme are not available. He also informed that a new scheme Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rojgar Yojana has been launched to incentivise creation of new employment opportunities.

The Lt Governor lauded the efforts being undertaken by Central Government to develop the Union Territory. He further stressed upon the commitment of Central Government to provide quality medical care to the people of J&K. He assured full cooperation of state government in running the forthcoming hospital.

The project is expected to be completed in one and a half year. This hospital will be built in five acres of land with an approximate cost of Rs 160 crores.