NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday welcomed the implementation of Ayushman Bharat and other central welfare schemes in West Bengal, days after the Bharatiya Janata Party formed the government in the state for the first time.
PM Modi Expresses Delight
In a post on X on Tuesday, PM Modi said, “The welfare of my brothers and sisters in West Bengal is of the utmost importance.” He added, “I am extremely delighted that the people of the state will have access to Ayushman Bharat, the world's largest health service, which ensures access to high-quality and affordable healthcare. At the same time, the double-engine government will ensure the seamless implementation of important central projects.”
Cabinet Meeting Decisions
The move follows the first cabinet meeting of the new West Bengal government on Monday, where Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the rollout of central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima, and PM Vishwakarma. Adhikari stated that these schemes would be implemented without discontinuing existing state welfare programmes, including Lakshmir Bhandar and Swasthya Sathi.
Ayushman Bharat Details
Ahead of the Assembly polls, PM Modi had announced at a rally in Bengal that a BJP cabinet in the state would approve the implementation of Ayushman Bharat in its first meeting. The scheme provides eligible families with annual health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh.
Overlap Concerns
It remains unclear how the state government plans to run both central and state welfare schemes in sectors where beneficiaries may overlap, particularly Ayushman Bharat and Swasthya Sathi. A source explained, “To avail benefits under Ayushman Bharat, one must meet certain conditions. Those not eligible for Ayushman Bharat are likely to continue receiving benefits under Swasthya Sathi. Those who make the cut will get Ayushman benefits.”
New Government Formation
Adhikari took oath as West Bengal’s ninth chief minister on Saturday, becoming the first BJP leader to head the state government after ending the All India Trinamool Congress’s 15-year rule.
