Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge on Saturday promised a right to health law for workers as part of a five-point Mazdoor Nyay scheme, completing the 25 guarantees that will be the backbone of the party’s agenda for the general election.

The right to health law will provide universal healthcare, including free essential diagnostics, medicines, treatment, surgery, and rehabilitative and palliative care. The other guarantees for labourers include a national minimum wage of Rs 400 per day, which will also be the minimum for all MGNREGA workers nationally, an employment guarantee act for urban areas with a focus on building public infrastructure, making cities resilient to climate change, and bridging gaps in social services.

The other guarantees are comprehensive social security for all unorganised workers, including life insurance and accident insurance, and a comprehensive review of the anti-worker labour codes passed by the Narendra Modi government and suitable amendments to strengthen labour rights. The Congress promised to stop employment on contract in core government functions. Contract labour will be the last resort, requiring clear justification and protection for the rights of workers. Contract employment in the private sector will be required to meet the minimum standards of social security.

The Congress has already announced five guarantees each for youth, women, farmers and social justice.