Nation progresses when workers’ dignity is upheld: Mandaviya
Says India to be top-10 sporting nation by 2036, top-5 by 2047
Budgam: Union minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said a country that values the dignity of its workers is unstoppable on the path of progress, asserting that their welfare must therefore remain at the centre of governance.Mandaviya, the Union Minister for Labour & Employment and Youth Affairs & Sports, inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) Hospital at Ompora here in the central Kashmir district.
The newly inaugurated hospital is the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir, marking a historic milestone in the expansion of worker welfare services in the region.Addressing the function, Mandaviya said, a country that values the dignity of its workers is unstoppable on the path of progress.
“Our social security coverage has risen from 19 per cent in 2015 to 64.3 per cent in 2025, as per data published by the International Labour Organisation,” he said, highlighting that the country’s efforts in this direction were recognised by the International Social Security Association in 2025.
Underscoring the impact of the four Labour Codes that were brought into effect last year, the Union minister said these reforms guarantee several long-awaited protections for workers, including annual health check-ups, mandatory appointment letters, and minimum wages.The provision for annual health checks through ESIC hospitals will allow early detection of diseases, ensure preventive healthcare for workers, and secure their future, he emphasised.
He also noted that the convergence of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has further expanded access to cashless treatment for beneficiaries across empanelled hospitals.Built for Rs 165 crore, the hospital has been established with provision for expansion up to 100 beds and is expected to directly benefit more than 50,000 workers and their family members.
Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday said India would emerge among the top 10 sporting nations by 2036 and break into the top five by 2047.Speaking to reporters after inaugurating a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in the central Kashmir district here, Mandaviya credited the Narendra Modi-led government for streamlining sports governance and creating a more structured system.
“It (the government) is providing opportunity to the youth to perform in the sports arena. I am sure that in the days to come, in the next ten years by 2036, India will be among the 10 best sporting nations in the world and by 2047, India will emerge among the top five sporting nations,” Mandaviya said.The minister added that the government’s sustained push has strengthened the sporting framework across the country.
“The country has won the bid for hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2030 and has also bid for hosting the 2036 Olympic Games. The process is going on to meet all the demands and expectations of the International Olympic Committee.“The sports ecosystem has been improved in the country, and with programmes like Fit India, Khelo India movement, the country’s youth are getting opportunities,” Mandaviya added.
About the hospital, Mandaviya said that the facility, built at a cost of Rs 165 crore, will serve over 50,000 workers and their families and provide them free treatment.He added a nursing college will also be added to the facility in the future to impart training to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
