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Union Cabinet Approves 8th Pay Commission for Central Govt Employees

January 16, 2025, 4:04 pm

The Union Cabinet has officially approved the 8th Pay Commission for revising the salaries, pensions, and allowances of Central government employees. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday, January 16, 2025. This decision is expected to result in a significant salary hike for the employees, improving their financial well-being.

What the 8th Pay Commission Means for Employees

The 8th Pay Commission is to determine updated salaries, pensions, and allowances for serving and retired central government employees. The implementation of this step is sure to bring immense monetary relief to the millions serving in or retiring from the ranks of the central government. By introducing the 8th Pay Commission, India takes a significant step towards ensuring fairness for its dedicated government employees. The move acknowledges the growing inflation and escalating living costs.

PM @narendramodi Ji has approved the 8th Central Pay Commission for all Central Government employees. pic.twitter.com/4jl9Q5gFka

— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 16, 2025

Approval Comes Before Budget 2025

The Cabinet announcement for the approval comes just a few days ahead of the long-awaited Budget 2025 announcements. Though, the dates for the Commission’s formation and implementation are yet to be decided.

Ashwini Vaishnaw, Information and Broadcasting Minister, confirmed the appointment of the Chairman and the two members to govern the commission for the roll-out process. Such appointments shall be made in the coming days to facilitate the process.

Tenth Pay Commission: A Changeover from 7th Pay Commission

The government instituted the 7th Pay Commission in 2016, and it is currently operative. However, it will expire in 2026. Therefore, the setting up of the 8th Pay Commission just a few years after its establishment is a fore-sighted move. This decision ensures that Central government employees’ remunerations stay in line with the rising economic standards of the time.

The 8th Pay Commission would mark an important step towards the fair remuneration of Central government employees. The pay scale, revised pensions, and allowance for retired persons will also get a hike under the Commission, thereby ensuring increased financial security to those who serve the nation. This approval from the Cabinet is one of the major steps in the larger framework for financial reforms just before the 2025 Budget.

‘One Nation, One Election’: Game-Changing Bill to Hit Parliament Soon

December 12, 2024, 2:47 pm

The Union Cabinet, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the ‘One Nation, One Election’ bill on Thursday. Reports suggest the bill, focused on introducing electoral reforms, will be presented in Parliament next week.

This is a developing story, Updates are awaited

Union Cabinet Greenlights One Nation, One Election, Comprehensive Bill Soon

December 12, 2024, 2:41 pm

The Union Cabinet has cleared the ‘one nation, one election’ initiative, sources said. The government will introduce a comprehensive bill during the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan strongly pitched for simultaneous elections on Wednesday. He said that frequent elections are thwarting the progress of the nation while speaking at the International Gita festival in Kurukshetra.

Chouhan appreciated the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying, “A glorious, prosperous, and powerful India is being built under the leadership of the prime minister. Soon, India will become the ‘Vishwa Guru’ (world leader) in front of our eyes. There is no doubt about it, and the whole world knows it.”

However, he said that the frequent election cycle is a major hurdle in progress: “Any other thing may be happening or not in the country, but election preparations continue for twelve months all five years,” he said. Chouhan highlighted the constant election cycle, from Lok Sabha elections to Assembly polls in states like Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Delhi.

The government accepted this year’s recommendations by a high-level committee on phased simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha, state assemblies, and local bodies. According to sources, on December 9, the government has set its ball rolling with ‘one nation, one election’ as it has moved to table the bill during the ongoing session of Parliament.

The Ram Nath Kovind Committee’s report, which is already approved by the Cabinet, supports this proposal of holding simultaneous elections across India.

Union Cabinet Approves PM-JANMAN, Allocates ₹79,156 Crore for Tribal Development

September 18, 2024, 5:58 pm

In a significant move to uplift the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan on Wednesday. The program has been allocated a budget of ₹79,156 crore and aims to benefit over five crore tribal people across 63,000 tribal-majority villages in 549 districts and 2,740 blocks.

With India’s Scheduled Tribe (ST) population standing at 10.45 crore, comprising more than 705 tribal communities living in remote and difficult-to-reach areas, the government seeks to address critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood within tribal regions. The initiative will build on the successes and insights gained from the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

Key Features of the Abhiyan:

Holistic Development: The program aims for the saturation of social infrastructure gaps through convergence and outreach of various government schemes to ensure the sustainable development of tribal areas.
Comprehensive Mission: The mission comprises 25 interventions to be implemented by 17 line ministries, focusing on diverse aspects of tribal welfare.
Special Focus on FRA Patta Holders: A special emphasis will be given to 22 lakh Forest Rights Act (FRA) patta holders residing in forest areas. The benefits of different schemes will be converged with the support of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Department of Animal Husbandry, Department of Fisheries, and Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Educational Infrastructure: The program plans to improve the infrastructure of Ashram schools, tribal hostels, and government residential schools, following the model of PM-SHRI schools, to enhance local educational resources and boost enrollment and retention rates in remote tribal areas.
Forest Rights and Livelihood: Efforts will be made to expedite the recognition and securing of forest rights, empowering tribal communities for forest conservation, and providing sustainable livelihoods through various government schemes. The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj will train stakeholders and officers at the block, district, and state levels.
Tribal Multipurpose Marketing Centres (TMMC): To support the effective marketing of tribal products, 100 TMMCs will be established. These centers will enhance marketing infrastructure, branding, packaging, and transportation facilities, helping tribal producers receive fair prices for their products and reducing post-harvest and production losses.
Healthcare: The program also includes plans to improve facilities for diagnosing sickle cell disease in states where the condition is prevalent.

This Abhiyan builds on the foundation laid by PM-JANMAN, which was launched on Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, 2023, with a budget of ₹24,104 crore, focusing on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) population.

The government expects the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan to accelerate the process of tribal empowerment by recognizing forest rights, providing sustainable livelihoods, and improving social and educational infrastructure, thus fostering holistic development in tribal regions across the country.

Cabinet Sanctions ₹5 Lakh Health Insurance for Seniors Aged 70 and Over

September 12, 2024, 3:41 am

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved a significant expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) to include all citizens aged 70 and above. This move will provide health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year to seniors, regardless of their financial status.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a briefing on the Cabinet’s decisions, highlighted that this extension of benefits is a major step in ensuring comprehensive health coverage for the elderly. Previously, the Ayushman Bharat scheme was designed to assist those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, based on the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC). The scheme originally provided up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless hospitalization for secondary and tertiary care.

Vaishnaw emphasized that this decision reflects a humanitarian approach and fulfills a commitment made by the Prime Minister. The new policy is expected to impact around 4.5 crore families, equating to approximately 6 crore senior citizens, based on government estimates. Currently, the scheme covers 12.3 crore families.

For families already covered by the scheme with senior members, there will be an additional top-up coverage of up to ₹5 lakh per year specifically for these elderly beneficiaries. For those families not previously covered due to their socioeconomic status, they will now receive a shared coverage of ₹5 lakh per year for senior citizens.

“The additional top-up coverage of up to ₹5 lakh will be specifically allocated for senior citizens within the families already covered by the scheme. This shared cover will be distributed among the senior members,” Vaishnaw explained.

Prime Minister Modi reiterated his government’s commitment to providing accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for every Indian. He stated, “We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable, and top-quality healthcare for every Indian. Today’s decision to expand the Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme to include all citizens over 70 years old is a testament to that commitment.” Modi added that this scheme would bring dignity, care, and security to 60 million citizens.

Vaishnaw also noted that this expansion is timely given the increasing trend of families shifting from joint to nuclear structures. “This decision is highly relevant in today’s context, providing much-needed health coverage and social security to our senior citizens,” he said.

The implementation of these changes will begin soon. Seniors will need to apply to benefit from the new provisions. Those already covered under other health insurance schemes, whether central or state-based, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or defense schemes, will have the option to either remain with their current scheme or switch to Ayushman Bharat.

Vaishnaw clarified that seniors with private insurance will also be eligible to join the Ayushman Bharat scheme if they choose. Eligible beneficiaries will receive a new, distinct card under the upgraded scheme. The initial investment for this expansion is ₹3,437 crore, with provisions for future increases in coverage as needed.

Union Cabinet Approves ₹10,579 Cr ‘Vigyan Dhara’ Scheme for Science and Tech

August 24, 2024, 10:08 pm

On Saturday, the Union Cabinet approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes, merging them into a unified central sector scheme named ‘Vigyan Dhara.’ The Cabinet’s decision, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sets a proposed outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for implementing ‘Vigyan Dhara’ over the 15th Finance Commission period, spanning from 2021-22 to 2025-26.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw detailed the new scheme, which will integrate the previously separate schemes into a single framework. This consolidation aims to improve fund utilization efficiency and synchronize various sub-schemes and programs. The scheme aligns with the Department of Science and Technology’s five-year goals, contributing to the broader vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047.’

‘Vigyan Dhara’ encompasses three major components: Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building, Research and Development (R&D), and Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment. The scheme’s primary objective is to strengthen India’s Science, Technology, and Innovation ecosystem by enhancing S&T infrastructure, particularly through well-equipped R&D labs in academic institutions.

The scheme focuses on several key areas, including basic research with access to international mega facilities, translational research in sustainable energy and water, and collaborative research through international cooperation. It also aims to build a critical human resource pool to advance the S&T landscape and expand the country’s R&D base. Efforts will be made to increase the Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) researcher count and promote gender parity in S&T fields, with targeted interventions to boost women’s participation.

The new scheme will support innovations from school to higher education levels and extend significant support to industries and startups. It will enhance collaboration between academia, government, and industry. The R&D component of ‘Vigyan Dhara’ will align with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and adhere to globally recognized standards while addressing national priorities.

The Department of Science & Technology (DST) will act as the nodal department for coordinating and promoting S&T activities in the country. The three central sector umbrella schemes previously managed by DST—S&T Institutional and Human Capacity Building, R&D, and Innovation, Technology Development and Deployment—will now function under the unified ‘Vigyan Dhara’ scheme, aiming to drive progress in Science, Technology, and Innovation across India.

Union Cabinet Approves ‘BioE3’ Policy to Boost Biomanufacturing

August 24, 2024, 8:29 pm

On Saturday, the Union Cabinet approved the ‘BioE3’ (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy, designed to enhance high-performance biomanufacturing under the Department of Biotechnology. Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined that the BioE3 policy will drive innovation by supporting research, development, and entrepreneurship across key sectors.

The policy focuses on accelerating technology development and commercialization through the establishment of biomanufacturing hubs, bio-AI centers, and biofoundries. It prioritizes regenerative bioeconomy models that promote green growth, expand India’s skilled workforce, and boost job creation.

The BioE3 policy also aligns with the government’s broader goals of achieving a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and supporting ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ initiatives. By encouraging a Circular Bioeconomy, the policy aims to propel India towards accelerated Green Growth. It envisions a future marked by sustainability, innovation, and responsiveness to global challenges, reinforcing India’s commitment to ‘Viksit Bharat’.

The policy comes at a critical time, presenting an opportunity to invest in the industrialization of biology to address pressing societal issues such as climate change, food security, and human health. Developing a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem is crucial for advancing innovations in bio-based products.

BioE3 will focus on several strategic sectors, including high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and marine and space research. This strategic emphasis aims to address national priorities and foster significant advancements in biotechnology.

Cabinet Approves PMAY-U 2.0: Eligibility & Benefits For Urban Housing

August 12, 2024, 5:37 pm

The Union Cabinet has approved the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, aiming to build 1 crore homes and promote equity across various urban populations.

Scheme Overview:
PMAY-U 2.0 offers financial support for building, buying, or renting affordable urban homes. It focuses on marginalized groups, including slum dwellers, SC/STs, minorities, and more.

Eligibility Criteria:

EWS: Annual income up to ₹3 lakh
LIG: Annual income between ₹3-6 lakh
MIG: Annual income between ₹6-9 lakh

Scheme Verticals:

Beneficiary-Led Construction (BLC): Financial aid for constructing homes on personal land.
Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP): Assistance for owning homes through partnerships and technology innovation grants.
Affordable Rental Housing (ARH): Rental housing for those needing temporary accommodations.

Interest Subsidy Scheme (ISS):
Offers up to 4% interest subsidy on loans up to ₹8 lakh for 12 years, with a maximum subsidy of ₹1.80 lakh, accessible via smart cards, websites, or OTPs.

The PMAY-U 2.0 scheme aims to address urban housing needs effectively, supporting various income groups and enhancing living conditions across cities.

Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport Set For Rs 2869.65 Crore Upgrade

June 19, 2024, 9:58 pm

The Union Cabinet, presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has greenlit an ambitious development blueprint for Varanasi’s Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, with an estimated expenditure of Rs 2869.65 crore. Managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI), this initiative aims to significantly enhance the airport’s capacity to handle passengers, increasing from the existing 3.9 million passengers per annum (MPPA) to 9.9 MPPA.

Central to the development plan is the construction of a state-of-the-art terminal building spanning 75,000 square meters. This facility is designed to comfortably accommodate 6 MPPA and up to 5,000 peak hour passengers, showcasing the cultural essence of Varanasi to visitors, thus offering a distinctive travel experience.

Key infrastructural upgrades include extending the runway’s length to 4075 meters and widening it to 45 meters, alongside constructing a new apron capable of parking 20 aircraft. The project’s emphasis on environmental sustainability is underscored by initiatives such as energy-efficient operations, waste management through recycling, reduction of carbon footprint, harnessing solar energy, and integrating natural daylighting solutions.

Once completed, Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport is slated to transform into a green airport model, setting a benchmark for eco-friendly aviation infrastructure in India. This development aligns with the government’s vision to bolster connectivity and enhance travel experiences, particularly in culturally significant regions like Varanasi.

The approval marks a significant step towards realizing the modernization goals for one of India’s key aviation hubs, reinforcing its role as a gateway to Uttar Pradesh and a focal point for tourism and economic growth in the region.

Cabinet Approves MSP for 14 Kharif Season Crops, Farmers to Get Rs 35,000 Crore More Over Previous Season

June 19, 2024, 9:07 pm

The Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership has made significant announcements aimed at bolstering agricultural support and welfare measures for farmers across India. Here are the key highlights:

1. Minimum Support Price (MSP) Announcement:
– The Union Cabinet approved MSPs for 14 Kharif season crops, which include staples like paddy, ragi, bajra, jowar, maize, and cotton.
– This decision is expected to have a financial implication of Rs 2 lakh crore for the government.
– Farmers are projected to gain around Rs 35,000 crore more compared to the previous season, demonstrating a substantial increase in MSP rates.

2. Objective of MSP Implementation:
– The government remains committed to ensuring that farmers receive a price for their produce that is at least 50% more than the input costs.
– This decision aligns with the ongoing efforts to support farmers and improve their economic well-being.

3. Focus on Oilseeds and Pulses:
– The MSPs for oilseeds and pulses have seen the highest absolute increase compared to the previous year, indicating targeted support for these critical crops.

4. Continuity and Change in Governance:
– Information and Broadcasting Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the decisions taken under PM Modi’s third term focus on continuity with change.
– This approach aims to build upon the economic foundations laid in the previous terms while introducing significant new measures for the benefit of farmers and the broader population.

5. PM-KISAN Initiative:
– Recently, PM Modi authorized the release of the 17th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme.
– This initiative disbursed more than Rs 20,000 crore to approximately 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers across the country through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
– The PM-KISAN scheme continues to play a crucial role in providing direct financial assistance to farmers, further illustrating the government’s commitment to farmer welfare.

In conclusion, these measures underscore the government’s proactive stance towards supporting agriculture and ensuring equitable benefits for farmers, reflecting its broader commitment to rural development and economic growth.

Union Cabinet Approves Nutrient-Based Subsidy Rates for Fertilizers, Including Three New Grades

February 29, 2024, 5:11 pm

The Union Cabinet, on Thursday, gave its approval to the proposal for Nutrient Based Subsidy (NBS) rates for Phosphatic and Potassic (P&K) fertilizers for the Kharif season of 2024, along with the addition of three new fertilizer grades under the NBS scheme.

The estimated budgetary requirement for the Kharif season from April 1 to September 30, 2024, is approximately Rs 24,420 crore. Anurag Thakur, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, highlighted that ensuring the availability of fertilizers to farmers at subsidized, affordable, and reasonable prices is a priority.

The inclusion of three new grades in the NBS aims to promote balanced soil health and provide farmers with options for fertilizers fortified with micro-nutrients based on soil requirements. Subsidies on P&K fertilizers will be provided according to approved rates for Kharif 2024 to ensure their smooth availability to farmers at reasonable prices.

The government is committed to offering 25 grades of P&K fertilizers to farmers at subsidized rates through fertilizer manufacturers or importers, as governed by the NBS Scheme since April 1, 2010.

The decision to approve NBS rates for Kharif 2024 and include three new fertilizer grades aims to provide subsidies to fertilizer companies based on approved rates, ensuring the availability of fertilizers to farmers at affordable prices in alignment with the government’s farmer-friendly approach.

Centre raises minimum support price for copra

December 28, 2023, 1:50 am

The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved raising the Support Price for copra for the 2023-24 marketing season.

The MSP for milling copra has been increased by Rs 300 to Rs 11,160 per quintal. Similarly, the MSP for ball copra has been increased by Rs 250 to Rs 12,000 per quintal.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the decision will ensure better remunerative returns to the Indian coconut growers.

Among others, the Union Cabinet gave its approval for construction of a new 4.56-kilometer-long, six-lane bridge over the Ganga connecting Digha and Sonepur in Bihar. The bridge, once completed, will connect north and south Bihar.
The total cost of the approved project is Rs 3,064.45 crore and is expected to be completed in 42 months.

Today, the Union Cabinet also approved the improvement and widening of 135-kilometer stretch of the Khowai-Harina road in Tripura.
The project involves an investment of Rs 2,486.78 crore, which includes a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore. The widening of this crucial road will reduce travel time and logistics costs between Tripura and Assam.

Centre approves for new bridge over river Ganga in Bihar

December 27, 2023, 5:16 pm

The construction of a new, 4.56-kilometer, six-lane bridge over the Ganga that connects Digha and Sonepur in Bihar received approval on Wednesday from the Union Cabinet, which is presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When the bridge is finished, Bihar’s north and south will be connected. The country’s inland water transportation will be supported by the ability of large ships to pass beneath the bridge. Anurag Thakur, the union minister of information and broadcasting, told reporters that the approved project would cost a total of Rs 3,064.45 crore and be finished in 42 months. The 135-kilometer Khowai-Harina road expansion and rehabilitation in Tripura was also approved by the Union Cabinet today.

The project involves investment of Rs 2,486.78 crore which includes a loan component of Rs 1,511.70 crore. The widening of this crucial road will reduce travel time and logistics cost between Tripura and Assam.
Also, the Union Cabinet today approved raising the Support Price for copra for 2023-24 marketing season.
The MSP for milling copra has been increased by Rs.300 to Rs 11,160 per quintal. The MSP for ball copra has been increased by Rs 250 to Rs 12,000 per quintal.
Briefing reporters after a meeting of union cabinet, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur said the decision will ensure better remunerative returns to the Indian coconut growers.

Union Cabinet approves the terms of reference for Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II

October 4, 2023, 6:01 pm

On Wednesday, the Union Cabinet approved the terms of reference for the Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II, which will settle disputes between the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh under the Inter-State River Water Disputes (ISRWD) Act, 1956.

Briefing reporters after a meeting of the Union Cabinet, Union Minister Anurag Thakur said, “The Union Cabinet has approved terms of reference to Krishna Water Dispute Tribunal-II in order to resolve the dispute between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh over the Krishna River water-sharing. Under this, the tribunal will distribute the Krishna water, which is allocated to the ‘undivided’ Andhra Pradesh, between the two states”.

An official statement claims that the resolution of the conflict between the two States regarding the use, distribution, or control of the waters of the Krishna River will create new growth opportunities for the States of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Central Government established the Krishna Water Disputes Tribunal-II in 2004 in response to requests made by the party States under Section 3 of the ISRWD Act, 1956.

Subsequently, in 2014, Telangana, as a State of the Union of India, came into existence.
Subsequently, the Government of Telangana (GoT) forwarded a complaint to the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation (DoWR, RD & GR), Ministry of Jal Shakti (MoJS), Government of India, referring the dispute on the use, distribution or control of Krishna river waters.

PMO : Union Cabinet approves proposal to celebrate August 23 as National Space Day

August 30, 2023, 2:47 pm

The proposal to designate August 23 as the “National Space Day” to commemorate the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 was approved by the Union Cabinet on Tuesday, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO). The Union Cabinet joins the nation in congratulating Chandrayaan-3 on its historic success. The Cabinet recognizes the outstanding accomplishment of our scientists.

This is not just a victory for our space agency but is a bright symbol of India’s progress and ascent on the global stage. The Cabinet welcomes that 23rd August would be celebrated as the “National Space Day”, it said.
The Union Cabinet also congratulated the ISRO scientists for their efforts.
“The Cabinet congratulates the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its efforts. Thanks to our scientists, India is the first country to land near the Moon’s south pole. Landing on the moon, with predicted accuracy, in itself is a momentous achievement. Landing near the South Pole of the Moon, and overcoming the arduous conditions, is a testament to the spirit of our scientists, who for centuries have sought to push the boundaries of human knowledge”, the official statement added.