Key Points
West Bengal implements Ayushman Bharat health scheme, becoming India's 36th state.
Housing scheme verification launched after reports of irregular allocations to government workers.
Free bus travel for women begins across state from June 1.
New rural livelihood framework VB-G RAM G takes effect July 1, 2026.
West Bengal signed a memorandum of understanding with India’s National Health Authority on June 09 to implement Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, making it the 36th state to join the scheme. The state government also ordered fresh verification of beneficiaries under the Banglar Bari housing scheme after reports of irregular allocations to government employees.
Health Coverage Expands Across West Bengal
The National Health Authority and West Bengal’s Department of Health and Family Welfare signed the MoU at Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. Dr. Sunil Kumar Barnwal, CEO of the National Health Authority, and Narayan Swaroop Nigam, Principal Secretary of the Department of Health and Family Welfare, signed the agreement. The scheme provides health insurance coverage to eligible residents across the state.
Housing Scheme Faces Fresh Scrutiny
West Bengal ordered fresh verification of Banglar Bari scheme beneficiaries following concerns about irregular allocations. Public reports indicated that government employees received housing benefits despite eligibility rules. The state government aims to ensure only qualified applicants receive assistance under the housing program.
Government Resumes Rural Employment Programs
The central government resumed MGNREGS and PM Awaas scheme operations in West Bengal after earlier suspensions. A new framework called VB-G RAM G takes effect from July 1, 2026, to strengthen livelihood security in rural areas. The schemes provide employment and housing support to vulnerable populations across the state.
Free Bus Travel for Women Begins
West Bengal launched free bus travel for women starting June 1, 2026, across the state. The program provides transportation access to female residents at no cost. The government also sanctioned a new Jalpaiguri-Siliguri rail line project through the Ministry of Railways.
Final Thoughts
West Bengal’s adoption of Ayushman Bharat expands health coverage to millions, while housing scheme verification addresses past irregularities. Combined with resumed rural employment programs and free bus travel for women, the state is strengthening social safety nets across multiple sectors.
FAQs
AB PM-JAY is a health insurance scheme providing coverage to eligible residents. West Bengal implemented it on June 9, 2026, becoming the 36th state.
Government employees received Banglar Bari housing benefits despite not meeting eligibility criteria. Fresh verification ensures only qualified applicants receive assistance.
VB-G RAM G takes effect July 1, 2026, strengthening rural livelihood security through employment and support programs in West Bengal.
Disclaimer:
The content shared by Meyka AI PTY LTD is solely for research and informational purposes. Meyka is not a financial advisory service, and the information provided should not be considered investment or trading advice.
About Author
Huzaifa Zahoor
Co FounderHuzaifa Zahoor is the engineer who built Meyka. He has spent years writing Python, training AI models, and building data pipelines specifically for financial markets. His technical articles have reached over 30,000 readers on Medium, so he knows how to make complex things easy to follow. If this article touches on how the tools work, he is the person who actually built them.
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