The four Labour Codes mark a paradigm shift from curative to preventive social security. Critically examine in light of recent initiatives for workers.

Q. The four Labour Codes mark a paradigm shift from curative to preventive social security. Critically examine in light of recent initiatives for workers. (15 marks, 250 words)

The four Labour Codes (passed 2019–20), enforced on 21 November 2025, consolidate 29 central laws. The recent launch of ESIC's nationwide Annual Health Check-Up for workers aged 40+ signals a turn from curative treatment toward preventive social security [1]—yet the shift, though real, remains incomplete.

Evidence of the preventive shift - Free annual screening for the NCD-prone 40+ cohort via ESIC hospitals prioritises early diagnosis over late cure [1]. - Social-security coverage widened from 19% to 64% (~94 crore); ESIC beneficiaries rose from ~7 to ~15 crore [1]. - Code on Social Security, 2020 grants first statutory recognition to gig and platform workers—life, disability, accident, health, maternity and old-age cover [2][3]. - Health checks made mandatory in hazardous occupations irrespective of age—a prevention-first design [1].

Critical limitations - Labour is on the Concurrent List; many states are yet to frame rules, risking uneven rollout. - Gig-worker entitlements await scheme notification and operationalisation of the Social Security Fund [3]. - ESIC is contributory, leaving much of the vast informal workforce outside its base. - Preventive screening demands follow-up treatment capacity, thin in several districts; curative spending still dominates.

The Codes genuinely reorient the framework toward prevention, but realising the paradigm needs state harmonisation, funded gig-worker schemes, and strengthened ESIC infrastructure—advancing DPSP Articles 39(e) and 41 and ILO Convention 102 toward truly universal, preventive social security.

(~250 words)

Sources: 1. Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Nationwide Annual Health Check-Up Initiative for Workers under Labour Codes (PIB) — ESIC-delivered preventive screening for 40+ workers, coverage expansion (19%→64%, ~15 crore beneficiaries), mandatory hazardous-work checks. 2. Code on Social Security, 2020: Towards Universal and Inclusive Social Protection (PIB) — statutory framework, in force 21 Nov 2025, first definition of gig/platform workers. 3. Social Security Measures for Gig and Platform Workers (PIB) — gig/platform benefits (life, disability, health, old-age), Social Security Fund and pending scheme operationalisation.