New Delhi: The central government on Thursday launched a nationwide free annual health checkup initiative for all workers aged 40 years and above under the new labor code, which was notified on November 21 last year. Labor Minister Mansukh Mandaviya said free check-ups will be done every year across the country as “early detection through health check-ups can help prevent serious diseases, and treatment and medicines will be provided through ESIC facilities.” He said that workers engaged in hazardous occupations and those working in establishments with less than 10 workers are also being brought under ESIC coverage. The minister said provisions for equal pay for men and women have been ensured, maternity leave has been increased from 12 weeks to 26 weeks and provisions for working from home have been included for women.