Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma assured everyone that the health-related schemes of the previous Congress government will not be discontinued. Earlier, on Monday, Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot had raised questions about his government’s schemes. There were reports of the closure of the most popular Chiranjeevi scheme of the Gehlot government, which provided free treatment up to 25 lakh. Gehlot, through a tweet, expressed concerns over the delay, emphasizing that it has led to a sense of stagnation in governance.
Gehlot raised questions about the BJP’s indecision in selecting ministers, highlighting the disappointment among the people. Despite the BJP securing a clear mandate on December 3, the cabinet formation delay has created confusion and a sense of uncertainty in every department, according to Gehlot.
Addressing concerns about the Chiranjeevi Yojana, Gehlot mentioned media reports suggesting that private hospitals are not providing treatment under the scheme. He called on the present government to clarify the situation regarding existing government schemes and ensure that the public does not face any difficulties. Gehlot advocated for the continuation of the previous system until a new arrangement was made.
Earlier, concerns over the Bhajan Lal cabinet formation delay were also raised by MLA Yunus Khan and Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra. MLA Yunus Khan remarked on the potential negative impact of sending a wrong message to the public, emphasising the need for clarification from the new government. Congress State President Govind Singh Dotasra questioned the Chief Minister’s repeated visits to Delhi without providing clarity on the cabinet’s formation.
It is worth mentioning that the BJP had promised assistance of 5 lakh under the Ayushman scheme in its manifesto. Most hospitals discontinued the Chiranjeevi and RGHS schemes after the defeat of the Congress. The center is considering increasing the amount of this scheme from 5 lakh to 10 lakh. The announcement of this will be made before the Lok Sabha elections.
However, under the Chiranjeevi scheme of the former Congress government of Rajasthan, 25 lakh used to be available. If this scheme is discontinued, it could become a significant issue for Congress in the upcoming elections.
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma also knows that the wrong message will be conveyed by the closure of health-related schemes. Therefore, on Monday, on the occasion of the birth anniversary celebration of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he assured that his government is working to increase the amount under the Ayushman scheme to 25 lakh. Along with this, his government will not discontinue medicines available under free schemes. Medicines for serious illnesses will continue to be available under free schemes.
