West Bengal will launch several welfare measures starting June 1. These include the rollout of Ayushman Bharat, free travel for women on government buses, and the introduction of the BJP’s key election promise, “Annapurna Bhandar,” aimed at offering direct cash support to women.
West Bengal offers free bus rides to women under Ayushman Bharat
These announcements represent the first significant welfare effort by the new government. Officials assure that no existing social programs in the state will be cut.
The government stated that all ongoing welfare schemes will continue, but they will now operate through a transparent process. It also noted that deceased individuals, illegal immigrants, and non-Indians will not be allowed to access benefits meant for state citizens.
Free bus travel from 1 June
The government has also agreed in principle to start the “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme on June 1. This was one of the BJP’s major promises during the Bengal Assembly election campaign.
Under this proposed scheme, eligible women will receive Rs 3,000 through direct benefit transfer. The BJP presented this scheme as a response to the Trinamool Congress government’s “Laxmir Bhandar” program, where eligible women currently receive Rs 1,500.
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