Nagpur: Granting aid to Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) healthcare facilities, the Maharashtra government has approved a new policy allowing state-owned land to be granted free of cost for establishing ESIC Hospitals. The decision, issued through a Government Resolution by the Revenue Department, follows directives from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Also Read:Nagpur hospital shuts operation theatres after 4 maternal deaths in 20 daysAccording to The Times of India, by removing all revenue and cess charges, the initiative aims to accelerate the development of medical services for insured labourers across Maharashtra. The policy was announced soon after the cabinet approved the transfer of 15 acres of grazing land in Karodi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, for a 200-bed ESIC hospital. Authorities noted that this model will now be implemented uniformly throughout the state wherever ESIC centres are planned, and public land is available, enabling consistent processes and quicker permissions. According to the new norms, land worth Rs 1 crore of market value may be earmarked for allocation at the departmental level, while plots with higher value will need concurrence from the Finance Department. All allotted land will be categorised under “Occupancy Class 2,” as usual. However, permission for hospital development will be provided while retaining government ownership, reports The Daily. Also Read:Over 230 radiology machines to boost diagnostics at Delhi Govt hospitalsThe government has also pointed out that the standard land requirement will be based on the hospital’s size and local FSI norms. 500-bed hospitals will need 8–12 acres, 300-bed hospitals 6–9 acres, 200-bed hospitals 5–7 acres, and 100-bed facilities 3–5 acres. Calling the reform essential for removing structural bottlenecks, Bawankule said, “Providing quality medical care to workers is the government’s responsibility. Many projects get delayed because of high land prices or scarcity. To prevent this and to ensure workers receive treatment close to home, we decided to make ESIC hospital land available free of cost.” Officials confirmed that the decision will significantly improve the state’s healthcare network, particularly in industrial and semi-urban areas where ESIC services remain insufficient despite high worker populations.

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