Gujarat's Labour, Skill Development and Employment Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya on Thursday, 14 May reaffirmed the state government's commitment to workers' welfare, healthcare access, and social security at the 93rd Regional Council Meeting of the Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) held in Gandhinagar. The meeting brought together senior officials to assess the implementation of the ESI Scheme and the quality of healthcare services available to insured workers across Gujarat.

Key Developments at the Regional Council Meeting

The session was chaired jointly by Minister Kunvarji Bavaliya and State Minister Kantilal Amrutiya. Discussions centred on the quality of healthcare services for insured persons, pending administrative and medical issues, under-construction infrastructure projects, and the expansion of digital services under the ESI framework.

Bavaliya underscored that industrial growth and workers' well-being were inseparable. 'Providing adequate healthcare facilities, medical services and social security to workers who form the foundation of the state's development is the priority of the state government,' he said.

New Labour Codes and Digital Initiatives

The minister highlighted the significance of the new Labour Codes and the Social Security Code introduced by the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment, stating they would extend an integrated security framework to workers in both organised and unorganised sectors. He also pointed to digital platforms such as the e-Shram portal, which he said had made worker registration and access to benefits 'easier and more transparent.'

ESIC Annual Health Check-Up and Model Hospital

Bavaliya shared details of an ESIC annual health check-up initiative launched on 7 May, under which insured workers aged 40 years and above across the country are eligible for free annual health screenings. 'This will help in the early detection and timely treatment of serious diseases,' he said.

He also highlighted the newly inaugurated 'Model Hospital' in Ahmedabad's Bapunagar area as a significant step toward strengthening healthcare infrastructure for workers. Benefits including pension, insurance, and maternity assistance have also been made more accessible under the current system, according to the minister.

Officials Directed to Accelerate Recruitment and Awareness

During the meeting, Bavaliya directed officials to prioritise the availability of modern medical equipment in ESIC hospitals and dispensaries and to expedite recruitment for vacant medical and administrative posts. Officials additionally stressed the need to improve awareness and communication so that insured workers receive timely information about available schemes and benefits.

'The objective of ESIC is not only to provide treatment but also to ensure better social security and healthcare facilities for workers and their families,' Bavaliya said, instructing that welfare scheme benefits reach the maximum number of workers without delay.

With recruitment gaps and infrastructure upgrades still pending, the effectiveness of these commitments will depend on follow-through in the months ahead.