Government Initiatives for Senior Citizens and Infrastructure Development
In a significant move aimed at enhancing healthcare and infrastructure, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced on September 11 that the Ayushman Bharat scheme will now be extended to include all individuals aged 70 and above. This initiative, recently approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage to millions of senior citizens across the nation.
Ayushman Bharat Scheme Expansion
The Ayushman Bharat scheme, which has already benefited numerous families, will now cover an additional estimated 6 crore senior citizens, ensuring they have access to free health insurance of up to Rs 5 lakh. This expansion addresses the need for greater health security among the elderly population. Furthermore, those seniors who are already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat will receive a top-up cover annually, enhancing their financial protection. For senior citizens currently covered under other central health schemes, there exists an option to transition to the Ayushman Bharat scheme, offering more robust health coverage.
PM e-Drive Scheme for Electric Mobility
In conjunction with health initiatives, the Union Cabinet has also approved the PM e-Drive scheme, allocating Rs 10,900 crore towards the development of electric vehicle infrastructure. This scheme is pivotal as it targets the creation of charging infrastructure for two-wheelers, ambulances, trucks, and three-wheelers. A total of 88,500 sites will receive 100 percent support for the installation of charging facilities, marking a significant step towards promoting electric mobility and reducing carbon emissions in the transport sector.
Bus Promotion and Payment Security Initiative
Additionally, under the PM e-Bus scheme, a payment security system has been approved with a budget of Rs 3,435 crore. This initiative will facilitate the introduction of 3,800 buses in 169 cities, thereby enhancing public transportation facilities. The focus on improving infrastructure helps foster a more sustainable and efficient transport system across urban areas.
Mission Mausam for Enhanced Weather Forecasting
On the environmental front, the Cabinet has greenlit a Rs 2,000 crore plan for Mission Mausam, aimed at improving the accuracy and reliability of weather forecasting services over the next 5-6 years. Accurate weather predictions are crucial for various sectors including agriculture, disaster management, and daily operations, ultimately aiding in better preparedness for climate-related events.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana for Rural Connectivity
In efforts to bolster rural connectivity, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has been allocated an impressive Rs 70,125 crore. This significant investment aims to construct roads connecting 25,000 settlements over a span of 62,500 kilometers. Such infrastructure development not only improves access to essential services for rural populations but also generates substantial employment opportunities, equating to about 40 crore man-days of work. Notably, changes have been implemented to the population criteria for project eligibility in the Northeastern and hilly states, ensuring that even the most remote areas benefit from improved connectivity.
Conclusion
These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens, improving healthcare accessibility, and fostering sustainable infrastructure development. By investing in both health and mobility, the government is paving the way for a more inclusive and resilient future for all citizens.
