Why Did State BJP Chief Samik Bhattacharya File a PIL in Calcutta HC for Ayushman Bharat Implementation in Bengal?
Synopsis
West Bengal BJP President Samik Bhattacharya filed a PIL in Calcutta HC for implementing the Ayushman Bharat scheme, expressing concern that marginalized communities are missing out on essential health coverage. The state government's rejection of this scheme favors its own health initiative, raising questions about access to healthcare for the needy. Stay tuned for updates on this crucial legal battle.
Key Takeaways
Samik Bhattacharya filed a PIL at the Calcutta High Court .
The Ayushman Bharat scheme aims to assist marginalized communities.
The state government supports Swasthya Sathi over the central scheme.
The court will hear the matter this week.
This legal action raises important questions about healthcare access.
Kolkata, Dec 22 (NationPress) - The President of the West Bengal BJP and Rajya Sabha MP, Samik Bhattacharya, took significant action on Monday by filing a public interest litigation (PIL) at the Calcutta High Court, calling for the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme, which is backed by the Union government, within the state.
In his legal filing, Bhattacharya expressed that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has faced hurdles in West Bengal due to the state government's refusal to allow its implementation, citing the existence of the state-run Swasthya Sathi health insurance program.
The division bench of the Calcutta High Court, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, has accepted the petition, with a hearing scheduled for this week.
After lodging the PIL, Bhattacharya informed reporters that the common populace, particularly those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, would have greatly benefited from the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in the state.
“The state government has deprived individuals from marginalized communities of this opportunity by obstructing the scheme’s implementation. This government shows little concern for the disadvantaged,” he stated.
The administration led by Mamata Banerjee has consistently opposed the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal, claiming it is laden with restrictions, while instead promoting the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which they argue is more accessible.
Conversely, the Union government maintains that the benefits of the Ayushman Bharat scheme are available throughout India, while Swasthya Sathi serves only the people of West Bengal.
Bhattacharya has dismissed the state government's rationale, asserting that these issues could be resolved through discussions between the bureaucracies of both the Union and state governments.
“Every welfare initiative has its set regulations. There are designated roles for individuals involved in creating laws and executing projects put forth by any government. However, in this instance, the state government has consistently rejected the scheme, leaving us no alternative but to seek judicial intervention,” Bhattacharya remarked.
IANS
Point of View
The situation highlights an ongoing tug-of-war between state and central policies regarding healthcare. The demand for the Ayushman Bharat scheme is rooted in providing necessary health services to vulnerable populations, emphasizing the need for collaboration rather than conflict in governance.
NationPress
15 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ayushman Bharat scheme?
The Ayushman Bharat scheme is a health insurance initiative by the Indian government aimed at providing coverage to economically disadvantaged families.
Why did Samik Bhattacharya file a PIL?
He filed a PIL to demand the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat scheme in West Bengal, arguing that it would benefit marginalized communities.
What is the Swasthya Sathi scheme?
Swasthya Sathi is a health insurance scheme launched by the West Bengal government, aimed at providing health coverage to its residents.
Why is the state government opposing Ayushman Bharat?
The state government claims that the Ayushman Bharat scheme has too many restrictions and promotes its own Swasthya Sathi scheme as a more accessible alternative.
What are the next steps after filing the PIL?
The Calcutta High Court has accepted the petition and scheduled a hearing for this week.
