Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari is set to attend the NITI Aayog governing council meeting on June 11, marking a significant departure from the previous administration's approach. His predecessor, Mamata Banerjee of the Trinamool Congress, had consistently boycotted these meetings over the past few years. Adhikari's participation signals a potential shift towards greater Centre-state coordination.
Ayushman Bharat Rollout in West Bengal
According to sources, Adhikari has directed the state health department to finalize the agreement for implementing Ayushman Bharat by June 8. The flagship healthcare scheme of the central government is expected to be rolled out in the state starting July. The chief minister held an administrative meeting with departmental secretaries at Nabanna on Monday, instructing them to submit their proposals by June 5 so that he could incorporate them into his speech at the NITI Aayog meeting. As part of the extended administrative meet, Adhikari invited secretaries to join him for dinner at Soujanya in Alipore on Monday evening.
Focus of NITI Aayog Meeting
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the NITI Aayog meeting, which is expected to focus on human resources. Priority areas include education, vocational training, and job opportunities to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry requirements. The meeting will also promote entrepreneurship under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative. An official noted that non-conventional energy is gaining increasing importance in the agenda.
Shift in Centre-State Relations
Political observers believe that Adhikari's attendance at the NITI Aayog meeting could signal a move away from the prolonged Centre-state confrontations witnessed during the Trinamool Congress's tenure. The new administration appears to be adopting a more collaborative approach. The chief minister has also asked secretaries to prepare their departmental budgets, as the budget session of the state assembly will commence on June 18, with the state budget to be tabled on June 22. Adhikari has instructed departmental heads to align their budgets with the BJP's Sankalp Patra.
Preparation for Ayushman Bharat Implementation
Adhikari has instructed officials to complete all necessary preparations for Ayushman Bharat within the stipulated deadline. This includes finalizing operational guidelines, administrative procedures, and implementation frameworks. Sources indicate that the West Bengal government is working on multiple aspects of the healthcare scheme, such as coordination with the central government, beneficiary coverage, hospital empanelment, and technical integration.
Launch of VB-G Ram G Scheme
The chief minister also asked officials to launch the VB-G Ram G scheme in June, which replaces the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This scheme will provide 125 days of work to job-card holders while creating rural infrastructure and employment opportunities. However, work will not commence immediately in Murshidabad and South 24-Parganas districts due to prior complaints of corruption.
Transparent Recruitment Policy
Adhikari also emphasized the need for a transparent recruitment policy, keeping in mind the state's manpower requirements. The chief minister's directives reflect his commitment to efficient governance and implementation of central schemes in West Bengal.
