Nagpur: In a major boost to healthcare facilities under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC), the Maharashtra government has approved a new policy allowing state-owned land to be allotted free of cost for establishing ESIC hospitals across the state. The decision, issued through a Government Resolution by the Revenue Department, follows directions from Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis.
Free Land Allocation to Speed Up Hospital Projects
According to The Times of India, the move removes all revenue and cess charges on land allocated for ESIC hospitals, aiming to accelerate the creation of medical infrastructure for insured labourers. The decision comes shortly after the state cabinet approved the transfer of 15 acres of grazing land in Karodi, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, for constructing a 200-bed ESIC hospital.
Officials confirmed that this uniform model will now be applied statewide wherever public land is available, ensuring faster approvals and reducing administrative delays.
Land Allocation Norms Under the New Policy
As per the new guidelines:
- Land parcels worth up to ₹1 crore can be approved at the departmental level.
- Land valued above ₹1 crore will require Finance Department concurrence.
- All allotted plots will fall under “Occupancy Class 2”, with the government retaining ownership.
- Allocation will be done solely for the purpose of hospital development.
A senior official told the media that land requirements will be based on hospital capacity and local FSI norms:
- 500-bed hospital: 8–12 acres
- 300-bed hospital: 6–9 acres
- 200-bed hospital: 5–7 acres
- 100-bed hospital: 3–5 acres
Aimed at Removing Structural Bottlenecks
Calling the reform essential, BJP state president Chandrashekhar Bawankule stated, “Providing quality medical care to workers is the government’s responsibility. Projects often face delays due to high land prices or scarcity. To prevent this and ensure that workers receive treatment close to home, we decided to make ESIC hospital land available free of cost.”
Expected to Improve Healthcare Access in Industrial Regions
Officials noted that ESIC services remain insufficient in many industrial and semi-urban areas, despite a high density of insured workers. The new land policy is expected to give a significant boost to Maharashtra’s healthcare network by enabling quicker establishment of hospitals and ensuring accessible, affordable care for the labour community.
