‘Seamless implementation will be ensured’: PM Modi welcomes Ayushmann Bharat to launch central govt schemes in West Bengal

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 West Bengal for the first time.In Tuesday’s X post, Prime Minister Modi “The welfare of my brothers and sisters in West Bengal is of paramount importance,” he said.“I am extremely happy that the people of the state will have access to Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest healthcare service, which ensures access to quality and affordable healthcare. At the same time, the dual-engine government will ensure seamless implementation of important central projects,” he added.The new West Bengal government held its first cabinet meeting on Monday where CM Suvendu Adhikari announced the launch of central schemes such as Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima and PM Vishwakarma.ALSO READ | What’s on the Suvendu Adhikari government’s agenda today: Ayushman Bharat, border fencing and bureaucracy reformsAdhikari said the implementation of these schemes will not disrupt existing state welfare schemes, including Lakshmir Bhandar and Swasthya Sathi.Ahead of the assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced at a rally in Bengal that the state’s BJP cabinet would approve the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Act in its first meeting. The scheme provides health insurance up to Rs 5 lakh per annum to eligible families.It is unclear how the state government plans to run central and state welfare schemes in sectors where beneficiaries may overlap (especially Ayushman Bharat and Swasthya Sathi).“To avail the benefits of Ayushman Bharat, certain conditions have to be fulfilled. Those who are not eligible for Ayushman Bharat may continue to receive benefits of Swasthya Sathi. Those who are eligible will get Ayushman Bharat benefits,” a source said.Adhikari was sworn in as the ninth chief minister of West Bengal on Saturday, becoming the first Bharatiya Janata Party leader to chair the state government after ending 15 years of rule by the All-India Trinamool Congress party.