Free bus travel for women and new welfare schemes to launch from June as government unveils Annapurna scheme and Ayushman Bharat rollout
IIE DIGITAL DESK : The government has announced a major set of welfare initiatives for women and citizens, set to be implemented from June. Among the key decisions is free travel for women on government buses, allowing them to commute without paying any fare on state-run transport services. This move is expected to benefit a large number of daily commuters and is aimed at improving accessibility and financial relief for women.
The government has also confirmed the launch of a new welfare scheme called “Annapurna Bhanda,” which will also begin operations from June. Under this initiative, women beneficiaries are expected to receive a monthly financial assistance of ₹3,000, although detailed eligibility criteria are yet to be clearly defined. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the scheme will be universal for all women or restricted based on income or other conditions.
Alongside these announcements, the government has also decided to roll out the Ayushman Bharat health scheme in the state starting from June. This healthcare initiative is expected to provide broader medical coverage to residents, though it remains unclear whether it will be available universally or subject to specific eligibility criteria such as family income or other conditions.
During a high-level meeting held at Nabanna on Monday, chaired by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, several key policy decisions were taken. The Chief Minister made it clear that no existing social welfare schemes in the state will be discontinued. He emphasized that whether a scheme was introduced 30 years ago or 10 years ago, none of the ongoing social welfare programmes will be withdrawn by the current administration.
Political parties had announced various welfare promises, including schemes such as Annapurna Bhanda and Ayushman Bharat. While the government has now moved forward with implementation plans, several details regarding eligibility, coverage, and structure of these schemes are still awaited.
The announcements mark a significant expansion of social welfare initiatives in the state, particularly focusing on women’s financial support, free mobility, and healthcare access.
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