Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh Inaugurated to Promote Women's Wellness in Govt Offices

The Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh has been ingeniously developed by repurposing a previously unused garage space, now beautifully converted into a vibrant health and fitness room.

In a landmark move aimed at fostering a healthier, more inclusive workplace within the government ecosystem, the Department of Legal Affairs, under the Ministry of Law and Justice, has launched a dedicated wellness space for its women employees — the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh. The initiative, hailed as the first of its kind within Central Government offices, represents a major step forward in institutionalizing workplace wellness, especially for women working in public service roles.

The facility was formally inaugurated on July 18, 2025, at Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi, by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, in the presence of Law Secretary Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, senior departmental officials, and a large gathering of women employees. The event featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, plaque unveiling, and a guided walkthrough of the wellness space.

Transforming Spaces: From Garage to Wellness Sanctuary

The Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh has been ingeniously developed by repurposing a previously unused garage space, now beautifully converted into a vibrant health and fitness room. This thoughtfully curated wellness facility includes:

• Gym equipment for cardiovascular and strength training

• A private lactation room for nursing mothers

• Relaxation space for mental rejuvenation

• Clean and secure changing areas

It has been designed with a clear vision: to encourage physical activity, promote mental well-being, and support work-life balance for the department’s female workforce.

Building a Health-Conscious and Inclusive Bureaucracy

Speaking at the inauguration, Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal commended the Department for its pioneering effort, linking it with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Hum Fit Toh India Fit’ campaign and the larger vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

“The well-being of women employees is essential to building a truly fit and inclusive India. This initiative sends a strong message — that the government cares not just about policy and productivity but about the people who deliver them,” he remarked.

He encouraged women to take full advantage of the facility, emphasizing that fitness and self-care are not luxuries but necessities, especially in high-pressure professional environments.

Health as a Cornerstone of Empowerment

Law Secretary Dr. Anju Rathi Rana, in her address, highlighted the emotional and symbolic importance of the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh. She acknowledged the invisible burden many working women carry — balancing professional responsibilities with caregiving roles at home — often at the expense of their own health.

“Women are conditioned to place others' needs before their own. This space is a gentle yet firm reminder that self-care is foundational to empowerment, not a form of selfishness,” she said.

She reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to creating inclusive, empathetic, and supportive work environments, particularly for women in government roles.

A Culture Shift in Public Institutions

Beyond its functional value, the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh represents a cultural shift in how we envision government offices. Traditionally perceived as formal, bureaucratic spaces focused solely on output, this initiative redefines them as humane, progressive, and responsive workplaces.

By carving out a space dedicated solely to women’s health and wellness, the Department of Legal Affairs is setting a new precedent in public administration. It recognizes that employee wellness is integral to institutional performance, and that wellness initiatives must reflect the diverse needs of the workforce.

Alignment with National Missions and Global Best Practices

The wellness room aligns seamlessly with several national campaigns and values, including:

• The Fit India Movement, launched in 2019 to promote healthy lifestyles

• The principles of Mission Karmayogi, which emphasizes human resource development in government

• The vision of a gender-sensitive governance system

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and Goal 5 (Gender Equality)

Globally, corporations and international agencies have long recognized the value of wellness rooms, lactation spaces, and gender-sensitive workplace design. With this initiative, Indian public institutions are moving in the same direction — setting standards for equity and empathy in the public sector.

A Blueprint for the Future

The successful launch of the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh opens the door for replication across ministries, departments, and state governments. As government offices modernize, there is increasing recognition that employee-centric infrastructure — including wellness, childcare, and mental health facilities — is essential to attract and retain a motivated workforce.

Officials hinted that the Department of Legal Affairs may collaborate with other ministries and the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) to develop a standard operating framework for implementing similar wellness spaces in other government offices.

A Quiet Revolution with a Loud Message

In essence, the Mahila Aarogyam Kaksh is not just a health room — it’s a quiet revolution. It reflects an evolving mindset within Indian governance that recognizes the human behind the file, the mother behind the policy, and the woman behind the workforce.

By creating spaces that affirm dignity, nurture well-being, and promote inclusion, the Government of India is moving steadily towards a citizen- and employee-centric model of administration, in true spirit of its commitment to a Viksit Bharat.