Punjab CM promises free medical insurance to the poor

Garhshankar, Hoshiarpur, Dec 11 (UNI) The Punjab Government has decided to provide free medical insurance to people living Below Poverty Line (BPL) in the state.

Talking to reporters, Punjab Chief Minister Amrinder Singh said the scheme would be on the line of Sanjivani Medical Insurance scheme being provided to members of various cooperative bodies.

Under the scheme, 4.60 lakh BPL families would get benefit of medical expenses up to Rs 2 lakh.

He said the premium for the insurance policy would be paid by the state government, adding the arrangement for the scheme is being finalised with an insurance company.

Presently Sanjivani scheme had been provided in cooperative sector for families of members of various cooperative societies at a nominal premium of Rs 30.

Meanwhile, Capt Singh has reiterated his government's demand of amending norms for determining the poverty line and defining people of BPL category. He said the present norms and defination were suitable for tribal and economically backward areas but for states with strong economy like Punjab the norms should be changed.

He said that the issue was again raised at the National Development Council meeting in New Delhi on Saturday and he was hopeful that the demand would be accepted.

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