Workers build nation, must be cared for: Mandaviya

Credit By: Arif Rashid / Younus Rashid

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25 Apr 2026

Union Min inaugurates Kashmir's first ESIC hospital in Budgam Free treatment from Rs 1 to Rs 1 crore

Budgam, Apr 24: Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya, on Friday said if workers are taken care of, no country can be stopped from progressing.

“Workers build the nation through their hard work across sectors such as plumbing, electrical work, and industries. Earlier, they were not given due importance, but now they are being recognised, which is helping the country move ahead,” Mandaviya said after inaugurating a 30-bedded Employees' State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital (expandable up to 100 beds) at Ompora in central Kashmir's Budgam district, built at an estimated cost of around Rs 165 crore. This marks the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, aimed at benefiting over 50,000 workers and their families.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister said that the facility will provide free treatment ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 1 crore to over 50,000 insured persons in the Amreshwar Nagar area. "Today, a 30-bedded ESIC hospital has been inaugurated in Budgam. This hospital has been constructed at a cost of around Rs 165 crore. It will provide free treatment ranging from Rs 1 to Rs 1 crore to more than 50,000 insured persons," he said.

Mandaviya added that the hospital will work for the welfare and health of workers in the region and will also generate employment in the coming days through a proposed nursing college and paramedical training for youth in Jammu and Kashmir. The facility will provide round-the-clock services to beneficiaries and strengthen healthcare access for workers in greater Srinagar.

Referring to health challenges, he said illness can affect anyone, and often workers are unable to prioritise their health due to work pressures. Expensive treatments for diseases like cancer and heart ailments can financially devastate families, particularly those earning modest incomes. He highlighted schemes such as Ayushman Bharat that provide free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh.

The Union Minister said that the government has introduced four labour codes to ensure appointment letters, proper documentation, and protection for workers, along with efforts to standardise wages and prevent exploitation. He added that annual health check-ups through ESIC hospitals will help in the early detection of diseases and ensure preventive healthcare for workers.

Citing international data, Mandaviya said that social security coverage in India has increased from 19 percent to over 64 percent, while crores of people are benefiting from welfare schemes including ESIC and Ayushman Bharat.

On sports, he said India has developed a strong ecosystem through initiatives like Fit India and Khelo India, adding that the country is expected to be among the top 8–10 sporting nations by 2036 and among the top 1–5 by 2047, when it completes 100 years of independence.

Among others present on the occasion were Budgam MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and Ashok Singh.