ESI services to be strengthened in all 744 districts: Union minister Bhupender Yadav

TIRUPATI: The ESI will expand and strengthen its services in all the 744 districts in ways as to ensure better accessibility of services to the beneficiary labour force, stated Union Labour minister Bhupender Yadav on Friday.

He was addressing the national conference of labour ministers and secretaries of all states and Union Territories, organised by the Union Labour Ministry in the temple city in the last two days.

Addressing the conference in virtual mode, AP chief minister Jagan Reddy thanked the Union labour minister for choosing Tirupati for the event and for the “continuous support” his ministry extended to the AP government.

“I’m sure that the productive deliberations over the past two days would help the nation in paving the way for a robust framework of comprehensive labour laws,” the CM said while hoping that the brainstorming by experts will result in the introduction of strong labour laws.

Addressing the valedictory session, Bhupender Yadav noted that there was a special session on Vision Shramev Jayate @2047 for framing of rules under four labour codes as also the modalities for their implementation along with development of portals for licensing, registration, returns, inspections etc.

The minister said the Centre’s initiatives for expansion and improvement of the service delivery mechanism of ESIC will help in fulfilling the PM’s vision of Swasthya se Samriddhi. This would bridge the gap between policy and execution, benefiting all shram yogis and their dependents, he said.

Reiterating the need for ESI Hospitals to work in a time-bound manner for the Ayushman Bharat digital mission compliance and adoption, the central minister said there was a need to revise the norms for sanctioning new dispensaries and hospitals, keeping in mind the latest technological advancements and future advantages to the beneficiaries.

“The ESI will expand its services in all 744 districts and this expansion will take into consideration the increased beneficiary base, post implementation of Social Security Code. The convergence with PMJAY in all the districts enables better accessibility of services to beneficiaries,” Yadav added.

The conference, spread over four thematic sessions, emphasized on the integration of e-Shram portal for onboarding social security schemes run by the Centre and the state governments to universalise social protection to workers and improve employment opportunities for all.

Union minister of state Rameswar Teli, secretary B Sunil, central PF commissioner Neelam Shamirao, AP chief secretary Sameer Sharma, labour ministers and secretaries of 25 states and Union Territories and others took part in the conference.