Bengali Film Technicians to Benefit from State Health Scheme
Synopsis
In a recent development, Bengali film technicians are set to receive health scheme benefits following a request from MP Deepak Adhikari to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. This move aims to enhance the welfare of over 7,000 industry professionals.
Key Takeaways
Technicians in Bengali film industry now qualify for health benefits.
Registration camp set for March 17 at Technicians Studio.
Over 7,000 technicians to benefit from the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
Previous mediclaim facility has been halted.
New health facilities being established in Kolkata.
Kolkata, March 12 (NationPress) In a significant move, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee responded positively to a request from Bengali superstar and Trinamool Congress MP Deepak Adhikari, also known as Dev, to extend benefits to the technicians working in the film industry. Earlier on the same day, Adhikari posted a copy of his letter addressed to the Chief Minister on social media, urging her to include technicians under the state's Swasthya Sathi (health) Scheme.
The Chief Minister has acceded to Adhikari's appeal, ensuring that all technicians within the Bengali entertainment sector will now benefit from the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
In a post on X, Adhikari expressed his gratitude, stating, "I am thankful that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has accepted my request to implement the Swasthya Sathi Scheme for over 7,000 diligent technicians in the Bengali film industry."
He also announced that a registration camp is set to take place on March 17 at the Technicians Studio, urging all technicians to register and take advantage of the scheme's benefits.
In his correspondence with Mamata Banerjee, Adhikari highlighted that there are more than 7,000 technicians affiliated with the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI).
Previously, these technicians were covered under a state government mediclaim worth Rs 5 lakh, which has now been discontinued, leaving them and their families without health coverage.
Several technicians had approached Adhikari, expressing their concerns about their lack of insurance under the Swasthya Sathi Scheme. Consequently, he petitioned the Chief Minister to organize a registration camp at the Technicians Studio, facilitating the registration process for his fellow technicians.
Adhikari sent this letter to Mamata Banerjee on March 7.
The Chief Minister has instructed that the registration camp be conducted at the Technicians Studio on March 17 to allow workers to enroll for the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
Additionally, on the same day, CM Banerjee inaugurated a new 10-story B.C. Roy Memorial Building at the N.R.S. Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, aimed at enhancing patient care at the facility, which has a financial allocation of Rs 148 crore.
Furthermore, the West Bengal University of Health Sciences has also constructed a new building in Salt Lake, Kolkata, with a total expenditure of Rs 102.75 crore, providing office space and facilities for academic seminars and other crucial activities.
Point of View
These dedicated professionals will gain access to much-needed health benefits, significantly enhancing their security and well-being.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Swasthya Sathi Scheme?
The Swasthya Sathi Scheme is a health insurance initiative by the West Bengal government aimed at providing financial coverage for medical expenses to residents of the state.
Who requested the inclusion of technicians in the health scheme?
Bengali superstar and Trinamool Congress MP Deepak Adhikari, also known as Dev, requested the Chief Minister to include technicians in the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
When will the registration camp for technicians take place?
The registration camp for technicians is scheduled for March 17 at the Technicians Studio.
How many technicians will benefit from this scheme?
Over 7,000 technicians in the Bengali film industry will benefit from the Swasthya Sathi Scheme.
What was the previous health coverage provided to technicians?
Technicians were previously covered by a state government mediclaim of Rs 5 lakh, which has since been discontinued.
