West Bengal is restarting the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY), offering cashless health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh per family each year. The update opens eligibility for senior citizens aged 70 and above to apply for coverage, aiming to reduce out of pocket medical costs and ease financial stress on households across the state.
The new West Bengal government says it will fast-track border fencing by allocating land within 45 days, while launching the Ayushman Bharat health scheme immediately. It also plans to begin census work soon to support women’s reservation, keep existing welfare programmes running, and move toward a paperless office with transparent direct benefit transfers. A fact-finding committee is also set for the Abhaya case.
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West Bengal is preparing to begin two major initiatives from June 1: the Centre’s Ayushman Bharat flagship health insurance scheme and a separate state push for free travel for women on government-run buses. The move, announced under the Suvendu Adhikari government, targets women’s welfare while extending access to affordable healthcare across the state.
West Bengal will transfer land to the BSF for border fencing within 45 days, CM Suvendu Adhikari said. The government also announced immediate steps for Ayushman Bharat and the Census process, alongside implementing multiple central schemes. It further outlined administrative reforms and promised action against corruption and political violence as the measures roll out.
West Bengal’s new BJP government, led by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, laid out six major decisions in its first cabinet meeting. The state moved to roll out Ayushman Bharat, fast-track BSF land transfer, extend welfare support, and advance police training and new criminal laws. It also ordered steps against cattle smuggling and restarted census work, signaling a rapid “people-first” agenda.
After the first cabinet meeting of the new BJP government in West Bengal, CM Suvendu Adhikari announced the state will align with Ayushman Bharat and roll out multiple central flagship schemes. The cabinet also approved land transfer for BSF border fencing, adoption of new criminal laws, central training for IAS and IPS officers, social security for atrocity victims, five-year age relaxation for job aspirants, and a new population census exercise.
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West Bengal’s stalled central programmes may restart soon as center state relations are expected to improve. Rural development, healthcare and drinking water funding is likely to be released, with Jal Jeevan Mission and Ayushman Bharat under review. The government is also expected to renew focus on 100-day work and PM-Kisan, bringing renewed momentum to ground projects.
West Bengal’s long-running standoff with the Centre over welfare delivery may be easing as BJP governance takes hold at both the state and central levels. The expected administrative integration could reshape how major schemes like Ayushman Bharat and PM-Kisan operate in the state—potentially through merging, streamlining, or tighter alignment to reduce friction.
BJP has recorded its first victory in West Bengal, delivering a historic landslide win. Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised a new era focused on development and stability, prioritizing women’s safety and youth employment. He also said Ayushman Bharat will be implemented immediately, with the scheme slated to be introduced in the first cabinet meeting.
Union Budget 2026 confirms Ayushman Bharat support for senior citizens aged 70 and above, with health coverage continuing up to Rs 5 lakh annually regardless of income. The scheme also retains Aadhaar as a required step for enrollment. Eligible beneficiaries can apply online or through the Ayushman App, ensuring access without needing income proof.
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