West Bengal Cabinet Approves Health Scheme for Panchayat Staffers and Pensioners

The West Bengal government has approved a health scheme for panchayat department employees and pensioners, providing them with benefits similar to other state government employees.

The cabinet of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given its approval to bring all staffers and pensioners of the panchayat department under the state health scheme, similar to other employees. This decision fulfills a promise made by Banerjee before the panchayat elections earlier this year.

Benefits for Panchayat Employees and Pensioners

Under the state health scheme, panchayat department employees and pensioners will receive all the benefits that are available to other state government employees. This includes access to healthcare services, medical reimbursements, and other health-related benefits.

Number of Beneficiaries

According to an administrative source, there are approximately 30,000 workers in the Zilla Parishad, Panchayat Samiti, and Gram Panchayat, while 20,000 individuals receive pensions. The association of panchayat workers had been advocating for the inclusion of these 50,000 people under the health scheme, and the chief minister had promised to address this issue prior to the panchayat elections in April.

Additional Cabinet Decisions

In addition to the health scheme approval, the cabinet also made several other decisions during its meeting.

Sick Neonatal Care Unit in Siliguri

The cabinet approved the establishment of a 40-bed sick neonatal care unit (SNCU) at the North Bengal Medical College and Hospital in Siliguri. This unit will provide specialized care for critically ill newborns.

Land Pattas for Tea Garden Workers

The cabinet also gave its nod to provide land pattas (documents) to tea garden workers under the Chaa Sundari scheme. This will enable the workers to build their own houses and will be accompanied by financial assistance of Rs 1.2 lakh for each worker.

Recruitment of Data Entry Operators and Homeopathic Medical Officers

The cabinet approved the appointment process of 427 contractual data entry operators for the land and land reforms department. Additionally, the recruitment of 29 homeopathic medical officers for various dispensaries was also approved.

The decisions taken by the West Bengal cabinet will have a positive impact on the lives of panchayat department employees and pensioners, tea garden workers, and the overall healthcare infrastructure in the state.