Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections 2024, the Union Cabinet on Friday has approved six significant decisions in its last meeting. Out of the six major decisions, Union Minister Piyush Goyal emphasized on a special initiative for the International Women’s Day, terming it as a ‘gift to women’. Here are the cabinet decisions approved:
Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) Yojana
Under the PMUY yojana, the government has approved the continuation of a targeted subsidy of Rs 300 per 14.2 Kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year. This scheme will incur the cost of Rs 12,000 crores and it will be effective from April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
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4% DA Hike
With an aim to benefit more than 1 crore government employees, the cabinet approved a 4% hike in Dearness Allowance (DA) for government employees and Dearness Relief for pensioners, effective from January 1, 2024. The current rate was 46% of Basic Pay/Pension.
India AI Mission
With an aim to boost the Making AI in India and Making AI Work for India, the government has approved a comprehensive national-level ‘India AI Mission’ with a cost of ₹10,371.92 crore over the period of five years.
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Increase In Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute
To benefit farmers, the union cabinet has approved the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute by Rs 285 to Rs 5,335 per quintal for the 2024-25 season.
ALH Dhruv Helicopters Purchase
Another major decision of 34 new ALH Dhruv helicopters for the Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard have also been taken by the Cabinet Committee on Security. Out of the total 34 helicopters, 25 will be given to the Indian Army and nine will be allotted to the Indian Coast Guard, manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
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Northeast Industrialization Scheme
With an aim to promote industrialization in the Northeast region, the cabinet has allocated Rs 10,037-crore scheme. The scheme is aimed to generate around 83,000 direct employment opportunities, also benefiting to the region’s economic growth.
