West Bengal Govt to Observe 'Ayushman Divas' on August 16, Replaces 'Khela Hobey Divas'

The West Bengal government has announced that August 16 will now be observed as 'Ayushman Divas', replacing the previous government's 'Khela Hobey Divas' observance. The announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari following a BJP organisational meeting in Purba Medinipur.

The symbolic change coincides with the BJP government's completion of 100 days in office and will also mark the rollout of the Centre's Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in West Bengal.

Speaking to reporters, Adhikari said August 16 carries historical significance as the anniversary of the 1946 Great Calcutta Killings, one of the deadliest episodes of communal violence in pre-Independence India.

He said the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government observed the day as 'Khela Hobey Divas', while the new administration has decided to dedicate it to expanding healthcare benefits under Ayushman Bharat.

According to the Chief Minister, citizens aged 70 years and above will automatically be eligible for benefits under the scheme. Around 70% of beneficiaries are expected to be covered through Ayushman Bharat, while the remaining eligible individuals will be included under the state's Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme, with both programmes being implemented together.

The TMC government had introduced 'Khela Hobey Divas' in 2021 following its Assembly election victory. The annual event featured football tournaments and the distribution of sports kits to encourage youth participation in sports. Over time, however, the slogan also became associated with West Bengal's political rivalry.

Responding to concerns regarding the Annapurna Yojna, which replaced the TMC's Lakshmir Bhandar scheme, Adhikari said more than 1.2 crore women have already received financial assistance.

He added that the verification process for beneficiaries will continue until August 30, after which all eligible applicants will be included while ineligible beneficiaries will be removed from the scheme.

Key Highlights

• West Bengal will observe August 16 as 'Ayushman Divas' instead of 'Khela Hobey Divas'.
• The announcement was made by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
• The day will coincide with the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme in the state.
• Citizens aged 70 years and above will automatically receive Ayushman Bharat benefits.
• Around 70% of eligible beneficiaries will be covered under Ayushman Bharat, while others will be included under the state's health insurance scheme.
• The verification process for Annapurna Yojna beneficiaries will continue until August 30.

FAQs

Q1. Why is August 16 being observed as Ayushman Divas in West Bengal?
The state government has replaced 'Khela Hobey Divas' with 'Ayushman Divas' to mark the rollout of the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme.

Q2. Who announced the change?
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced the decision after a BJP organisational meeting in Purba Medinipur.

Q3. What was Khela Hobey Divas?
It was introduced by the previous TMC government in 2021 to promote sports through football tournaments and sports kit distribution.

Q4. Who will benefit from Ayushman Bharat in West Bengal?
Citizens aged 70 years and above will automatically qualify, while other eligible beneficiaries will also be covered under the scheme.

Q5. What is the latest update on Annapurna Yojna?
The government said over 1.2 crore women have already received benefits, and beneficiary verification will continue until August 30.