PM to launch Health Insurance scheme for all in J&K on December 26: LG

Jammu, December 20: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is launching SEHAT-Health insurance scheme for the entire Jammu and Kashmir on December 26 so as to cover the remaining one crore population which was not covered under Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Announcing this while talking to media persons here on Sunday, UT’s Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said that “with this, J&K will be among the first in the country to achieve Universal Health Coverage”.

Pertinently, under Ayushman Bharat PM Jan Arogya Yojana, eligible beneficiaries were covered under Health Cover of Rs 5 lakhs, while 30 lakh people are bring covered under PMJAY scheme in J&K.

He further informed that the programmes will be organized across the UT and the distribution of “Golden cards’’ will be started on the same day. Around 16 Lakhs registrations have been done as on date and the registrations for the rest of the beneficiaries will be done on war footing, he added.

He also congratulated the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the election machinery for the successful conduct of District Development Council (DDC) and Panchayat Elections in the Union Territory.“I thank and congratulate the people of J&K, especially the First-time voters, Independent Candidates and Political Parties for strengthening grass root democracy and paving way for progressive future of the UT and participating in the elections with such enthusiasm & zeal and making them a massive success”, he said.

Speaking on enthusiasm shown by first-time voters, the Lt Governor observed that the participation of first time voters in DDC and Panchayat elections is a matter of pride for our democratic set up. Rejecting the regressive agenda, people voted for progress and development, he added.

Strengthening the 3-Tiers of Panchayati Raj System in J&K, the DDC elections were held for the first time in the UT and the response to the DDC Elections has been very encouraging, he said. “I have fulfilled the promise of free and fair elections. Except for one or two incidents, the elections were conducted in free and fair manner”, the Lt Governor remarked.

“The 3-tier democracy will make J&K modern, AatmaNirbhar, besides giving a determined push to the developmental process. I am sure the elected representatives will give momentum to the developmental schemes on the ground”, maintained the Lt Governor.

He also lauded the State Election Commission, J&K Police, Security Forces, all on-duty officers/officials and media persons for working day and night for ensuring successful and peaceful conduct of DDC and Panchayat elections.