1 hr ago

Suvendu Adhikari Links Central Scheme Uptake to Government Changes

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari spoke about government schemes for workers and artisans.

He said some state governments did not use central government schemes.

He claimed that voters later changed those governments.

He especially criticized the previous West Bengal government for not implementing the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

The current government says about 7.7 lakh artisans are registered for the scheme in the state.

Around two lakh applications are active, and more than 3,000 have been approved.

West Bengal also launched Ayushman Bharat in August, according to Adhikari.

Union minister Jitan Ram Manjhi said millions of people have received training and toolkits through PM Vishwakarma.

The state plans to hold a larger Vishwakarma Day event outdoors from 2027.

Key facts

PM Vishwakarma registrations: About 7.7 lakh artisans are registered on the scheme’s portal in West Bengal.
Active applications: Around two lakh applications are active in the state.
Approvals: More than 3,000 PM Vishwakarma applications have reportedly been approved after processing powers were delegated to secretaries.
Ayushman Bharat beneficiaries: Around 10,000 people, including 2,000 migrant labourers, had reportedly used the scheme in West Bengal since its August 16 launch.
National training: Jitan Ram Manjhi said 30 lakh people had been trained under PM Vishwakarma in three years.
Toolkits distributed: The Union minister said 18 lakh free toolkits had been distributed.
Planned event change: From September 17, 2027, West Bengal plans to hold Vishwakarma Day in an open ground rather than an indoor hall.

theprint.in · 2 hrs ago