CHANDIGARH: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is organizing camps across Punjab to deliver the benefits of central government welfare schemes to households. These camps aim to make people aware of schemes like Ayushman Bharat Health Yojana, PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, Labor Cards, Vishwakarma Yojana, and other central schemes, while also providing access to these facilities. Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar expressed these views while addressing journalists in Chandigarh.
He said that while the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab should have ensured that service centers provided the benefits of central government schemes to the poor, the state government has failed in delivering its own schemes as well. Around 8 lakh vehicle registrations in Punjab have been pending for months, forcing vehicle owners to run from office to office.
Mr. Jakhar clarified that the Punjab government is depriving people of their rights, as central schemes are not being made available at service centers. He mentioned that in the camp held yesterday at Raipura, 65 individuals received Ayushman Bharat health insurance cards worth ₹5 lakh each, despite attempts to block their access. Additionally, 42 women filled forms under the Vishwakarma Yojana at the camp. He said he was there to create awareness among the people, but the Aam Aadmi Party does not want the poor to become aware and avail government benefits. That is why the 1076 helpline, which was launched for show, is now out of people’s reach. Jakhar also shared photographs from the camp, showing the people who benefitted. He said this service demonstrates BJP’s commitment to public welfare.
Sunil Jakhar said, “We can even go door-to-door to inform people about these schemes, but due to the Punjab government’s hurdles, people are not getting facilities on time.” He revealed that more than 8 lakh Registration Certificates (RCs) and an equal number of driving licenses are pending in Punjab. Furthermore, 12.5 lakh farmers have been excluded from the Kisan Samman Nidhi scheme, and 3.5 million (35 lakh) people above 70 years of age have been deprived of health insurance benefits. Private hospitals are owed ₹250 crore in arrears, due to which health services are being denied to people.
Sharply attacking the Punjab government, Jakhar said, “The Chief Minister only posts on Twitter, he doesn’t work. The Aam Aadmi Party government has betrayed the people.” He asserted that the BJP neither fears threats nor stops its work. In response to a question, Jakhar said that CSCs (Common Service Centers) can operate anywhere in Punjab, but lies are being spread about this.
Commenting on attempts to stop BJP camps, Jakhar said that leaders like Harpal Cheema and Aman Arora make such false statements at the behest of Delhi, showing they have no concern for people’s problems. “Wherever the BJP is in power, work is done smoothly. That is why people repeatedly elect BJP governments, ” he said, adding that the BJP is committed to serving the people of Punjab as well.
Sunil Jakhar said his party will not be intimidated. Responding to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s statement that ration cards in Punjab were cut by the central government, Jakhar said Mann does not even know that ration cards are issued by the state government, and ration distribution is also the state’s responsibility – the center only provides the ration stock.
He reminded the Chief Minister that in 2023, it was the Aam Aadmi Party government itself that decided to cut 10.50 lakh benificries cards citing a survey, but later withdrew the decision just before the Lok Sabha elections. “Don’t blame the center for your own mistakes, ” Jakhar said.