Opposition flags “contradictory expenditure figures,” alleges disruption in healthcare delivery and politically driven rollback of welfare schemes
Munish Sood
Mandi
The political temperature in Himachal Pradesh rose sharply on Thursday as former Chief Minister and Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur mounted a strong attack on the state government, accusing it of attempting to “systematically dismantle” the Himcare health scheme under the pretext of alleged irregularities.
In a statement issued from Shimla, Thakur termed the government’s description of Himcare as a “scam” as “deeply insensitive and unjustified,” asserting that the scheme had served as a critical healthcare safety net for economically vulnerable sections.
⸻
‘Healthcare Lifeline Undermined’
Describing Himcare as a “lifeline that restored dignity to the poor,” Thakur said the scheme enabled thousands of families to access medical treatment without resorting to extreme financial distress.
He claimed that during the previous BJP regime, over 5.5 lakh beneficiaries availed treatment under Himcare and Ayushman Bharat, with the government incurring an expenditure exceeding ₹500 crore. “Schemes that transformed lives are now being targeted for closure due to political considerations,” he alleged.
⸻
Sharp Critique of Governance Approach
Targeting Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the opposition leader questioned the government’s commitment to welfare-oriented governance. He alleged that instead of strengthening public services, the current dispensation is focused on “withdrawing benefits and increasing financial burdens.”
Thakur remarked that many beneficiaries of Himcare had previously deferred treatment due to financial constraints, but the scheme had given them “a second chance at life,” eliminating the need to mortgage assets or sell personal belongings.
⸻
Expenditure Figures Under Scanner
A major point of contention raised by Thakur was the alleged inconsistency in the government’s financial disclosures regarding Himcare expenditure. He pointed out that during the ongoing Assembly session, the Chief Minister cited varying figures — ₹972 crore, ₹750 crore, and ₹1072 crore — within a short span.
“This raises serious questions about financial transparency and accountability. The government must clarify the correct expenditure and disclose the total outstanding liabilities,” he said.
⸻
Allegations of Ground-Level Disruptions
The Leader of Opposition further alleged that policy changes introduced by the government — including restricting Himcare treatments to government hospitals — have adversely impacted patients.
He claimed that delays in payments to suppliers have led to shortages of essential medicines and surgical items in hospitals, resulting in postponed procedures and compromised healthcare delivery. “Reports of even basic medical supplies being unavailable reflect a worrying gap between claims and reality,” he added.
⸻
‘Wider Pattern of Welfare Rollback’
Expanding his attack beyond healthcare, Thakur accused the government of pursuing a broader agenda of discontinuing welfare schemes initiated by the previous regime. He cited the closure of Shagun and Kanyadaan schemes, which provided financial assistance to economically weaker families for the marriage of daughters.
He noted that the previous government had enhanced assistance under the Kanyadaan scheme from ₹31,000 to ₹51,000 and introduced Shagun to further support underprivileged sections.
⸻
Political Stakes Rise
With both sides hardening their positions, the Himcare issue is emerging as a major political flashpoint in the state. The opposition’s allegations of policy rollback, financial opacity, and administrative inefficiency are likely to intensify the debate over governance and welfare delivery in the coming days.
