Union Cabinet approves free treatment for 70 and above under Ayushman Bharat

New Delhi: The Union Cabinet has approved significant expansions to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY), now including all senior citizens aged 70 and above, regardless of their income. Union Minister Ashwani Vaishnav stated that the scheme aims to provide up to Rs 5 lakh in free treatment benefits to six crore senior citizens across 4.5 crore families. Eligible beneficiaries will receive new, distinct cards under this expanded initiative.

In addition, the Cabinet has greenlit the ‘PME-Drive Yojana,’ a Rs 10,900 crore program designed to promote electric vehicle usage throughout the country. The Cabinet has also approved the development of 31,350 MW of hydropower projects at a cost of Rs 12,461 crore.