Odisha Govt Raises Health Cover Under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana For Women

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday decided to raise the health cover under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana (BSKY) for women from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh.

This was announced by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik while interacting with the people of four districts during a video conferencing on Ama Gaon Ama Bikash Yojana at the State Secretariat here.

The Chief Minister said Mamata Padiamy of Kalimela block in Malkangiri district raised concerns over health issues plaguing women in rural areas and requested him to enhance the healthcare assistance amount for women under Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana.

“Considering her request, I have decided to increase the health cover under the said scheme from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 7 lakh. This historic move, a first in the country, will benefit lakhs of women and assure adequate healthcare coverage,” he added.

On the occasion, the chief minister also sanctioned Rs 31.54 crore for 154 panchayats in seven blocks of six districts under Ama Gaon Ama Bikash Yojana at the block level.

The chief minister sanctioned the amount for 1365 projects after interacting with the block representatives.

Of the sanctioned amount, Rs 3.91 crore has been earmarked for 70 projects in 25 panchayats of Sukinda block in Jajpur district, Rs 4.45 crore for 294 projects in 23 panchayats of Kalimela block in Malkangiri district, Rs 5.25 crore for 200 projects in 21 panchayats of the Buguda block in Ganjam district, Rs 5.16 crore for 290 projects in 23 panchayats of the Satyabadi block in Puri district, Rs 5.71 crore for 240 projects in 29 panchayats of the Parjang block in Dhenkanal district, Rs 2.06 crore for 116 projects in 13 panchayats of the Bonai block and Rs 5 crore for 155 projects in 20 panchayats of the Nuagaon block in Sundargarh district.

“As the money is yours and the people of Odisha, you are requested to ensure quality work and timely completion of the projects in your locality,” the Chief Minister told the villagers, panchayat and block representatives.

Among others, the chief secretary, principal secretary, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water and senior officials of the departments concerned were present.