Asia Press Agency

Tag: Union Cabinet

  • Continuation of Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

    Continuation of Flood Management and Border Areas Programme

    The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit the continuation of the “Flood Management and Border Areas Programme (FMBAP)” for the period of 2021-2026. This program aims to tackle critical issues related to flood control and anti-erosion measures, with a particular focus on border areas.

     

    Comprising two main components, the FMBAP includes the Flood Management Programme (FMP) and the River Management and Border Areas (RMBA). The government has allocated a substantial total outlay of ₹4,100 crore for the next five years, spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26, in line with the 15th Finance Commission period.

     

    Under the Flood Management Programme, a significant portion of the allocated funds, amounting to Rs. 2,940 crore, will be earmarked for providing central assistance to state governments. This assistance will support critical works related to flood control, anti-erosion measures, drainage development, and anti-sea erosion, among other initiatives. The funding pattern will follow a ratio of 90% (Centre) to 10% (State) for Special Category States (comprising the 8 North-Eastern States and Hilly States of Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and the UT of Jammu & Kashmir), while it will be 60% (Centre) to 40% (State) for General/Non-Special Category States.

     

    In addition to the Flood Management Programme, the River Management and Border Areas (RMBA) component of the FMBAP will receive an allocation of Rs. 1,160 crore. This segment will focus on flood control and anti-erosion works along common border rivers with neighboring countries. Activities such as hydrological observations, flood forecasting, and investigation and pre-construction activities of joint water resources projects on common border rivers will be undertaken with 100% central assistance.

     

    While the primary responsibility for flood management rests with the state governments, the Union government recognizes the need to supplement their efforts in this area. By encouraging the adoption of modern technology and innovative approaches, the government aims to enhance flood management practices across the country.

     

    The decision to continue the FMBAP comes at a crucial time, as the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including floods, have increased in recent years. The likely impact of climate change further exacerbates this situation, necessitating proactive measures to address flooding issues in terms of extent, intensity, and frequency.

     

    Moreover, the scheme includes provisions to incentivize states that implement flood plain zoning, which is recognized as an effective non-structural measure for flood management. By encouraging states to adopt such measures, the program aims to enhance resilience to floods and minimize the damage caused by these natural disasters.

     

    The approval of the continuation of the Flood Management and Border Areas Programme underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the challenges posed by floods and erosion in border regions. Through strategic allocation of funds and implementation of innovative measures, the program seeks to strengthen flood management capabilities and mitigate the impact of flooding on communities and infrastructure.

  • Further Modifications to National Livestock Mission

    Further Modifications to National Livestock Mission

    The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval for further modifications to the National Livestock Mission (NLM). These modifications aim to bolster various aspects of livestock farming in India, including entrepreneurship, fodder cultivation, and livestock insurance.

     

    One significant change approved by the Cabinet is the inclusion of additional activities under the NLM. This includes support for the establishment of entrepreneurship ventures related to horse, donkey, mule, and camel breeding. Individuals, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Joint Liability Groups (JLGs), Farmer Cooperative societies (FCOs), and Section 8 companies will be eligible for a 50% capital subsidy of up to Rs. 50 lakhs. Furthermore, state governments will receive assistance for breed conservation of horse, donkey, and camel. The Central Government will allocate Rs. 10 crores for the establishment of semen stations and nucleus breeding farms for these animals.

     

    Additionally, the Cabinet has approved support for the establishment of fodder seed processing infrastructure. This includes Processing & Grading units and Fodder storage godowns, with a 50% capital subsidy of up to Rs. 50 lakhs for private companies, start-ups, SHGs, FPOs, FCOs, JLGs, Farmer Cooperative societies, and Section 8 companies. The remaining project cost will be arranged by the beneficiaries through bank finance or self-funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality and availability of fodder for livestock.

     

    To expand fodder cultivation areas, state governments will receive assistance for fodder cultivation on non-forest lands, wastelands, range lands, non-arable lands, and forest lands. This will contribute to increasing fodder availability across the country, addressing a critical need in livestock management.

     

    Moreover, the Cabinet has simplified the Livestock Insurance program to benefit farmers. The beneficiary share of the premium for farmers has been reduced to 15%, down from the previous rates of 20%, 30%, 40%, and 50%. The remaining premium amount will be shared by the Central and State governments at a ratio of 60:40 for all states and 90:10 for northeastern and hilly states. Additionally, the number of animals eligible for insurance has been doubled to 10 cattle units for cattle, sheep, and goats. These changes aim to make livestock insurance more accessible and affordable for farmers, allowing them to protect their valuable animals with minimal financial burden.

     

    Overall, the modifications approved by the Union Cabinet under the National Livestock Mission reflect the government’s commitment to promoting entrepreneurship, improving fodder cultivation, and enhancing livestock insurance programs in India. By supporting initiatives aimed at breed conservation, infrastructure development, and risk mitigation for farmers, the government seeks to boost the livelihoods of those engaged in the livestock sector and contribute to the growth of the agricultural economy. These measures align with the broader goals of ensuring food security, enhancing rural incomes, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices across the country.

  • Union Cabinet to Convene Amid Special Parliament Session

    Union Cabinet to Convene Amid Special Parliament Session

    Amid the ongoing special session of Parliament, the Union Cabinet is scheduled to convene in the evening at 6:30 PM. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called for this cabinet meeting, which is expected to take place in the Parliament Annexe building. The agenda for the meeting has not been revealed, further adding to the political speculation surrounding the special session.

     

    Ahead of the cabinet meeting, senior ministers such as Piyush Goyal and Pralhad Joshi met with PM Modi and the Union Home Minister. The reports of this cabinet meeting have heightened political tensions in Delhi, especially as the 28-member opposition bloc I.N.D.I.A remains uncertain about the purpose of the special parliamentary session.

     

    During the first day of the special session of Parliament, Prime Minister Modi addressed the house on an emotional note as he announced that proceedings would be relocated to the new Parliament building on Tuesday. In his address, PM Modi paid tribute to the historic significance of the current Parliament House, formerly known as the Imperial Legislative Council before independence.

     

    PM Modi praised the vision and contributions of various leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, P V Narasimha Rao, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee. He also acknowledged the roles played by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Chandrashekhar, and Lal Krishna Advani in India’s political landscape.

     

    The special session of Parliament, according to PM Modi, is brief but historic, as it is set to make significant decisions. He emphasized that all decisions aimed at transforming India into a developed country by 2047 will be made in the new Parliament building.

     

    In his address, PM Modi stated, “This session is short, but in terms of time, it is very big. This is a session of historic decisions. A specialty of this session is that the journey of 75 years is starting from a new destination.” He expressed a sense of enthusiasm and renewed confidence that has gripped the entire country.

     

    As the Union Cabinet meets amid the ongoing special session, the political landscape remains charged with anticipation about the session’s objectives and the historic decisions that may be announced in the coming days. The special session holds significance as India marks 75 years of independence and looks ahead to its future development and growth.

  • Union Cabinet Allocates ₹1,650 Crore for Free LPG Connections

    Union Cabinet Allocates ₹1,650 Crore for Free LPG Connections

    In a recent decision, the Union Cabinet has allocated ₹1,650 crore for the distribution of 75 lakh free cooking gas connections as part of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY). Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the third phase of the eCourts project with a financial allocation of ₹7,210 crore. Here are the key details of these developments:

     

    Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY):

    • The Union Cabinet has extended the PMUY for the release of 75 lakh LPG connections over three years, from the financial year 2023-24 to 2025-26.
    • An additional outlay of ₹1,650 crore has been approved for this extension.
    • The total financial implication per connection for the 14.2 kg single bottle connection and 5 kg double bottle connection will be ₹2,200, while the cost for a 5 kg single bottle connection will be ₹1,300 per connection.
    • Ujjwala beneficiaries will also receive the first refill and stove free of cost under Ujjwala 2.0.
      PMUY consumers will continue to receive a targeted subsidy of ₹200 per 14.2 kg LPG cylinder for up to 12 refills per year.
    • The extension of the Ujjwala Yojana aims to provide clean cooking fuel access to poor households, addressing health problems associated with traditional cooking fuels like firewood and cow dung, and enhancing the quality of life, especially for women.

     

    eCourts Project – Phase-III:

    • The eCourts Mission Mode Project, under the National eGovernance Plan, aims to improve access to justice using technology.
    • Phase-II of the eCourts Project concluded this year, and Phase-III will be operational for four years starting in 2023.
    • Phase-III focuses on digitization of the entire court records, including legacy records, and universalization of e-filing and e-payments through eSewa Kendras at all court complexes.
    • It aims to create a unified technology platform for the judiciary, facilitating seamless and paperless interactions between the courts, litigants, and stakeholders.
    • The project intends to enable data-based decision making for judges and registries in scheduling and prioritizing cases.
    • The eCourts Project Phase-III will play a crucial role in making the Indian judicial system more accessible, affordable, reliable, predictable, and transparent for all stakeholders. It signifies a significant step towards digital, online, and paperless courts, embracing technology to enhance the justice delivery system.

     

    These decisions reflect the government’s commitment to improving access to clean energy and justice through digital initiatives and budgetary support, thereby positively impacting the lives of citizens across the country.

  • BJP Celebrates PM Modi’s Success at G20 Summit

    BJP Celebrates PM Modi’s Success at G20 Summit

    The Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday gave Prime Minister Narendra Modi a rousing welcome to the party’s Delhi headquarters. The JP Nadda-led party passed a resolution congratulating him for the ‘success of G20 Summit’.

     

    The BJP parliamentary board passed the resolution hailing Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “historic and unprecedented” success of the G20 Summit.

     

    “G20 Summit monumental chapter in India’s diplomacy, transformative moment in how India is perceived on the global stage,” the BJP resolution read.

     

    “India’s G20 presidency will always be celebrated as ‘People’s G20,’ a truly people-driven endeavor. G20 Summit brought the world together on a wide range of issues, be it economics, geopolitics, technology, and more,” it added.

     

    “We, BJP karyakartas, extend our deepest appreciation and warm congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for the successful G20 Summit held in New Delhi on 9-10th September 2023,” the resolution read.

     

    “As representatives of the people, we stand resolute in our belief that under PM Modi’s leadership, India will persistently chart a course marked by growth, cooperation, and global leadership, crafting a legacy that future generations will look upon with hope and positivity,” it said.

     

    Over 60 cities played host to 200 meetings, with a staggering participation of 1.5 crore people, ensuring that the voices of “our people reverberated in these pivotal discussions, infusing them with grassroots perspectives and aspirations,” it said.

     

    Union Cabinet passes resolution congratulating PM Modi
    The Union Cabinet passed a resolution congratulating and thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of the entire country for making the G20 Summit a huge success, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said.

     

    Briefing media after a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Modi, Thakur said the resolution related to the G20 Summit was moved by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and was passed unanimously.

     

    “The G20 Summit in Delhi was held successfully under the leadership of PM Modi. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh moved a resolution congratulating the prime minister on behalf of the entire country for the success of the summit. The successful hosting of G20 Summit is a symbol of Prime Minister’s efficient leadership and strong will and it is being talked about in the entire world,” he said.

  • ₹6,000-Crore Incentive Scheme for Coal Gasification Projects

    ₹6,000-Crore Incentive Scheme for Coal Gasification Projects

    India’s Union Cabinet is poised to consider a ₹6,000-crore incentive scheme designed to promote coal gasification projects. The scheme, which has been finalized and awaits cabinet approval, aims to provide incentives for various types of gasification initiatives, including those led by public sector units (PSUs), private sector companies, and pilot projects.

     

    Under the proposed scheme:

    • PSU-Led Gasification Projects: Viability gap funding (VGF) of up to ₹1,000 crore or 10% of the expenditure for each project is likely to be provided. This category includes joint venture projects involving Coal India, GAIL, and BHEL.
    • Private Sector Projects: Government support would be extended to private sector projects, with incentives of up to ₹600 crore or 15% of the overall expenditure per project.
    • Pilot Projects: Support for five pilot projects focused on technology development would be up to ₹100 crore per project or up to 20% of the project cost.

     

    The scheme also includes provisions for the reimbursement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on coal used for gasification, which may be applicable for a period of 10 years.

     

    Coal gasification is a process that converts coal into fuel gas, offering a cleaner alternative to traditional coal burning. The resulting gas can be used to produce various gaseous fuels, including hydrogen, methane, methanol, and ethanol. However, the high ash content in Indian coal has been a technical barrier to widespread coal gasification.

     

    As India strives to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2070, the government has set ambitious goals for gasifying coal, aiming to reach 100 million tonnes of gasified coal by 2030. The increased adoption of renewables in the power sector is expected to reduce the use of coal for thermal power generation, making alternative uses of coal more important.

     

    The National Coal Gasification Mission, launched in November 2021, seeks to assess the gasification potential of coalfields and develop indigenous technologies for gasifying coal with varying ash content. The mission also proposed tax-related relaxations, including a waiver of GST compensation cess, a reduction in additional cess and duties, and a tax holiday of 15 years for coal gasification projects.

     

    Coal Minister Pralhad Joshi indicated in July that the scheme had been approved by the Expenditure Finance Committee (ECF) and would be presented to the cabinet for approval. The scheme aligns with India’s efforts to transition to cleaner energy sources and reduce its reliance on conventional coal-based power generation.

  • Draft Indian Telecommunications and Postal Services Bill Cleared

    Draft Indian Telecommunications and Postal Services Bill Cleared

    The Union Cabinet has given its approval to the Draft Indian Telecommunications Bill, as reported by sources familiar with the development. The bill was initially issued in September last year and proposed to expand the scope of Indian telecommunications services to include over-the-top (OTT), internet-based, and satellite-based communication services, broadcasting, internet, and broadband services. However, this proposal has raised concerns among social media and technology companies operating in the messaging space, as it could potentially lead to the regulation of OTT communication apps.

     

    The government has reiterated that its intention is to engage in light-touch regulation and ensure user safety and online trust. While the bill is expected to cut across all sectors, specific details about its impact on other industries will be clarified through “carve-outs.”

     

    The bill seeks to replace three existing acts: the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act, 1950. The original draft had suggested reducing the powers of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), but the final version is expected to exclude those provisions. TRAI’s authority will not be affected, and the regulator’s powers, including the appointment of officials, will be considered.

     

    The bill aims to enhance consumer protection from spam and fraudulent calls while becoming an umbrella legislation for all forms of communication and voice and data carriage. It also outlines that spectrum allocation can be conducted through auctions, administrative processes, or other mechanisms as decided by the government.

     

    Regarding the Postal Services Bill, 2023, the Cabinet has also given its approval, and it is scheduled to replace the antiquated Indian Post Office Act of 1898. This bill will revamp the postal department and focus on improving its key services, such as parcel services that can compete with private players and generate revenue. Additionally, the bill may address financial services in rural areas through postal services.

     

    While both bills are set to bring significant changes to the telecom and postal sectors in India, they are yet to be taken up during the ongoing session of Parliament. The approval by the Union Cabinet indicates the government’s commitment to modernize and strengthen these vital sectors and promote the digital transformation of the country.