The Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit has launched a fierce attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government's flagship health insurance program, branding it a deceptive ploy aimed at voters. The party has labeled the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana, scheduled for launch on January 15, a "bundle of lies" that is mathematically and financially unsustainable for the debt-ridden state.
Financial Viability Under Scanner
Leading the charge, former state minister Manoranjan Kalia addressed reporters on Monday, dissecting the scheme's economics. The MMSY promises ₹10 lakh in cashless medical insurance coverage to each family. However, Kalia asserted that the scheme is doomed given Punjab's precarious fiscal health. He revealed a critical discrepancy: while the government claims it will cover 65 lakh families in a population of 3 crore, it is paying only a nominal premium of ₹1 lakh to the United India Insurance Company.
"The remaining massive financial risk is not borne by the insurer," Kalia argued. "It has been placed on the state health agency, which ultimately means the burden falls squarely on the state exchequer. This exposes the scheme's fundamental flaw."
A State Buried Under Debt
The BJP's critique is anchored in Punjab's alarming financial indicators. The opposition party presented data suggesting the state's total debt has ballooned past ₹4 lakh crore, with a per capita debt of ₹1,23,274. Further compounding the crisis, Punjab's share in GST revenue has reportedly plummeted by 40.35%.
Kalia questioned the government's capacity to fund high-end medical treatments under the new scheme when it is allegedly failing to meet basic welfare commitments. "How can a government that lacks the liquidity to pay old-age and widow pensions on time promise such an expensive insurance entitlement?" he asked. The party also highlighted the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) grappling with outstanding dues exceeding ₹10,500 crore.
Hollow Promises or Healthcare Revolution?
In scathing remarks, Kalia dismissed the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojana. "This scheme is not healthcare," he stated. "It is merely a bundle of hollow promises and false claims designed to mislead the public ahead of elections. It is difficult to understand how the government will bear such a huge cost when the state treasury is empty."
As of now, the AAP government has not issued a formal point-by-point rebuttal to the BJP's financial allegations. The administration maintains its stance that the January 15 launch of the MMSY will mark a revolutionary step towards making quality healthcare affordable and accessible for every family in Punjab. The political war of words over the scheme's feasibility is set to intensify as the launch date approaches.
