MAJOR
DECISIONS : CABINET
|
The Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister, Dr.
Manmohan Singh, has set an unprecedented pace in decision-making
at the highest level. As many as 832 cases were considered in 136
meetings of the Cabinet and its Committees during 2005, which exceeds
the business transacted during the last decade. The dates on which
the decisions were taken have been provided in the brackets.
Ø Approval for introduction of a Bill
in Parliament to amend the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 to cover cellular services, in addition
to basic telegraph services within the scope of the Universal Service
Obligation (USO) Fund for faster expansion of telecommunication
services. (9.5.2006)
Ø
Approval
for re-organisation of the Ministry of Ocean Development as Ministry of Earth Sciences and
also the constitution of Earth Commission. (9.5.2006)
Ø
Signing of Memorandum of Agreement (Umbrella Agreement ) between
India and USA. The Umbrella Agreement provides for assistance by Federal Aviation
Authority (FAA) in developing and modernizing civil aviation infrastructure
in managerial, operational and technical areas. (3.5.2006)
Ø
Approval for implementation of the Bangalore Metro Rail Project by
the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) covering a length of 33 Kms. in
two corridors at current cost of Rs. 5453 crore. (27.4.2006)
Ø Modifications
in the existing scheme of Conversion of Leasehold system of land
tenure in Delhi into Freehold. (18.4.2006)
Ø
Proposal to implement the Reconstruction
Plan for the Jammu & Kashmir – the proposal will relax
the existing guidelines of the Swarna Jayanti
Shahari Rojgar Yojana (SJSRY) with specific reference to
Jammu & Kashmir Action Plan. The Reconstruction Plan will be
applicable to urban BPL only. The Cabinet also approved release
of Rs.849.375 lakhs (inclusive of administrative cost), to the State of J&K under SJSRY during
2006-07, as Central contribution
in the ratio of 90:10 ( instead of the ratio of 75:25 between Centre
and State ) for the implementation of the Prime Minister’s Reconstruction
Plan. (18.4.2006)
Ø
Approval for adoption of the National Urban
Transport Policy. The objective of the policy is to ensure
safe, affordable, quick, comfortable, reliable and sustainable access
for the growing number of city residents for jobs, education, recreation.
(5.4.2006)
Ø Approval
to implement the orders of the Supreme Court dated July 19, 2004
and October 26, 2004 for disbursement of pro-rata additional compensation
on 1:1 basis to the Bhopal gas victims by providing necessary funds
to meet the shortfall in the settlement. (5.4.2006)
Ø
Release of Rs.1700 crore
to provide interest relief of two percentage points in the interest
rate on principal amount up to Rs.1 lakh each on crop loans availed
by the farmers for Kharif and Rabi 2005-06. (30.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for introduction of the Constitution
(Amendment) Bill in the Parliament to
ensure the democratic, autonomous and professional functioning
of the co-operatives. (30.3.2006)
Ø
Approval to the Government of India’s contribution of Rs. 48.33 crore
for the Khalsa Heritage Project to the Government of Punjab and release of the
balance amount of Rs. 46.33 crore. An amount of Rs. 2 crore has
been released to the State Government of Punjab during 2004-05.
(30.3.2006)
Ø
Approval to the overall expenditure of Rs. 242.95 crores by various
Ministries / Departments / Organizations on providing relief items,
provision of tents, procurement of construction material for erection
of temporary / intermediate shelters and for other construction-related
activities in the earthquake affected areas in J&K. The Cabinet
also gave its approval for expenditure incurred by Central Para
Military Forces (CPMFs) on providing relief items.
(30.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for transfer of Gobindgarh Fort at Amritsar measuring approximately
30 acres, along with additional land measuring 2.81 acres near the
Fort to the State Government of Punjab without any cost and encumbrances. (30.3.2006)
Ø
Introduction of the National Institutes of Technology Bill 2006 in the Parliament and bringing
all the 19 National Institutes of Technology within the ambit of
the above Act. This would enable the National Institutes of Technology
to become centres of excellence like IITs and help fulfill the need
of the country for quality manpower in the field of engineering,
science and technology. (23.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for the revival plan of Cement
Corporation of India Limited (CCI). The plan will allow
CCI to close seven non-operating units and sale of assets of all
seven non-operational units through Asset Sale Committee based on
fresh valuation. (9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for introduction of the National
Jute Board Bill, 2006 in the Parliament. The Bill will help in
the restructuring and coordinating the operations of the large number
of organizations functioning in the jute sector. (9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval to a proposal to undertake the
design and development of Resourcesat-2 Mission at
a total estimated cost of Rs.138.79 crores with a foreign exchange
component of Rs.88.50 crores. (9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for a proposal for signing the Memorandum of Understanding
with the Government of the People’s Republic of China on cooperation in the
field of agriculture. This will promote further bilateral cooperation
through joint activities and exchanges in the areas of agricultural
activities and also through exchange of scientific delegations and
experts; as well as trainings between
the two countries. (4.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for signing the Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) between
Chile and India. It will facilitate the ongoing endeavour to strengthen trade
and economic relations between the Republic of Chile and the Republic
of India. (23.2.2006)
Ø
Approval for taking over Tripura Engineering College, Agartala as a fully funded Institute
of the Central government and converting it into National Institute
of Technology with Deemed to be University Status and make it a
fully-funded Central Government institution.(23.2.2006)
Ø
Issue
of oil bonds to restore financial health of PSU oil marketing companies.
(23.2.2006)
Ø
Repealing
of the Assam Rifles Act, 1941. (23.2.2006)
Ø
Approval to enact the Representation
of the People (Amendment) Bill, 2006 enabling non-resident Indians
who have absented from the place of their
ordinary residence in India owing to their employment, education
or otherwise to get themselves enrolled in the electoral rolls and
thus exercise their voting rights. (15.2.2006)
Ø
Introducing limited amendments in Companies
Act, 1956 through a Bill called Companies (Amendment) Bill,
2006. These amendments would enable smooth implementation of the
MCA 21 e-governance project – the modernization and e-governance
initiative of the Government being implemented by the Ministry of
Company Affairs. (15.2.2006)
Ø
Modification
of components of Accelerated Rural Water Supply Programme in the
Tenth Plan. For the remaining period
of the Tenth Plan, the Sub-Mission for
Water Quality is proposed to be re-oriented by retaining 20% of the ARWSP funds at the Centre. If any focussed funding is required to tackle
severe cases of contamination of water, the ceiling could be exceeded
in exceptional cases. All new projects sanctioned under the sub-mission
for water quality will have the involvement of the Gram Panchayats/
Village Water Sanitation Committees (VWSC) in selection/ implementation
and maintenance of the assets. (1.2.2006)
Ø
Approval for moving amendments to the Khadi
and Village Industries Commission
(Amendment) Bill, 2005. The
amendment Bill would facilitate the reconstitution and revamping
of the KVIC. (1.2.2006)
Ø
Major rationalisation of the policy on foreign
direct investment (FDI) to further simplify the procedures
for investing in India and to avoid multiple layers of approvals
that were presently required in some activities. The whole FDI policy
has been reviewed in an integrated manner, to remove anomalies and
inconsistencies. This is not so much an exercise to revise caps,
as to simplify and rationalise the procedures. (24.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for creation of the post of Consul
General to reopen Consulate General of India
(CGI), Karachi (Pakistan). (24.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for signing an MoU between India
and Saudi Arabia on combating crime and ratifying the same. (19.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for renaming of civil enclave at Leh as Late Kushok Bakula
Rimpochhe, Airport. (6.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for Promulgation of the National Commission for Minority
Educational Institutions (Amendment) Ordinance, 2006 and replacement of it
by an Act in the coming Budget Session of Parliament. The Parliament
passed the Constitution (93rd Amendment) Bill 2005 in Winter Session
2005. In order to exempt eligible minority educational institutions,
it has become necessary to empower the National Commission for Minority
Educational Institutions (NEMEI) with necessary power through the
Ordinance. (6.1.2006)
Ø
Grant of enhanced ex-gratia and relief /
rehabilitation to the victims of 1984 riots. (29.12.2005)
Ø
Declaration of the existing domestic airport at Jaipur as an International
Airport. (29.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to the agreement signed in Islamabad on January 4-6, 2004
on South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). (29.12.2005)
Ø
The Cabinet approved the National Policy
for Persons with Disabilities. The policy aims
to set up mechanisms for promotion and protection of rights of persons
with disabilities and provide them equal opportunity to participate
fully in the society. This
will also enhance their dignity and self-respect.
(29.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for introduction of the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory
Board Bill, 2004 in the Parliament during the coming Winter session for creation
of Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board through an Act of
Parliament and also gave its approval to create the posts with support
staff for the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board and Appellate
Tribunal. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for the package for revival of short term rural cooperative
credit structure. The revival package is aimed at reviving the short-term
rural cooperative credit structure (CCS) and make it a well-managed
and vibrant medium to serve the credit needs of rural India, especially
the small and marginal farmers. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval
for introduction of an amendment Bill in the Parliament to amend the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
to protect and save the endangered tiger by constituting the National
Tiger Conservation Authority to
implement the recommendations of the Tiger Task Force. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for signing an agreement between
India and Pakistan for regulation of bus service between Amritsar
and Lahore and Amritsar-Nankana Sahib. This Agreement will expand economic cooperation
and facilitate people-to-people
contact between the two countries. The Cabinet also approved the
setting up of a Standing Committee. Once the Agreement is signed,
the Standing Committee would be set up. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to undertake the Geo-Synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle
(GSLV) Project – Operation flights (F04 to F10) at a total estimated cost of Rs.
1325 crore with a foreign exchange component of Rs. 311 crore. The
GSLV project includes seven operational flights and will meet the
requirement of various application satellites in areas such as communication,
meteorology, education and health etc. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Cabinet approved the proposal of the Ministry of Human Resource Development to amend the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions
(Amendment) Bill, 2005 to include in Clause 3 that the processing
period of 60 days prescribed earlier for grant of No Objection Certificate
by the Competent Authority is increased to 90 days with a right
to the applicant to ascertain the stage of his application for affiliation
after 60 days. (16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for signing the United Nations Convention against Corruption
at United Nations Headquarters in New York and also for initiating the
process of enactment of requisite enabling legislation by the concerned
Ministries/ Departments before approval for ratification of the
Convention. (8.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to amend the Constitution by inserting a new clause (5)
in Article 15 for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes
of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes.
The Amendment Constitution Bill, 2005 would enable the States to
make reservation of seats for the socially and educationally backward
classes of citizens or for the SC and ST in the educational institutions
including the unaided private professional educational institutions
and, to regulate admission or fee in such institutions. The respective
States would enact their own laws according to their own requirements.
(8.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to amend the Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic
Cooperation (CECA) between India and the Association of South East Asian Nations
(ASEAN) through a protocol. (8.12.2005)
Ø
Fare
& subsidy for Haj – 2006. Cabinet decided to retain
the amount of Rs. 12,000 to be paid by each pilgrim for the round
trip to Jeddah / Madinah and the remaining cost as subsidy to be
paid by the Government to airlines. Transportation of up to 60,000
pilgrims by SAA at a cost of USD 745 per pilgrim return fare for
Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad and USD 819 per pilgrim return
fare for Chennai, Lucknow and Bangalore. Transportation of balance
pilgrims by Air India / Indian Airlines from Kolkata, Calicut, Nagpur,
Aurangabad, Patna, Guwahati, Jaipur and Srinagar. (1.12.2005)
Ø
Approval
to undertake design, develop & launch GSAT-6/INSAT-4E,
a multi-media mobile satellite system,
at a total estimated cost of Rs. 269 crores with a foreign exchange component of Rs. 102 crores. (1.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for enactment of a law on Disaster Management. The enactment of law
on disaster management will provide for requisite institutional
mechanisms for drawing up and monitoring the implementation of disaster
management plans, ensuring measures by various wings of Government
for prevention, or mitigating the effects of disasters and for ensuring
a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any possible, or
actual disaster situation. (24.11.2005)
Ø
Approval for enactment of the Bill titled “The Communal Violence
(Prevention, Control and Rehabilitation of Victims) Bill, 2005”. (24.11.2005)
Ø
Cabinet approved the setting up of an Inquiry
Authority to establish the truth or otherwise of the unverified
references contained in the Volcker Committee’s Report relating
to payment of surcharge / kickbacks paid to the then Government
of Iraq for allocation of quotas of oil for food/essential items.
The said Authority will be a single member Authority headed
by Mr. Justice R.S. Pathak. (10.11.2005)
Ø
Approval
for taking over Engineering College,
Raipur, as a fully-funded Institute of the Central Government
and converting it into National Institute of Technology (NIT) with
‘Deemed to be University Status’ and make it a fully-funded Central
Government institution. (10.11.2005)
Ø
Approval for establishment of a Special
Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for funding infrastructure projects
the SPV will be called the India Infrastructure Finance Company
Limited (IIFCL) (3.11.2005)
Ø
Approval for the participation of India
as the Guest of Honour country in Frankfurt Book Fair
(FBF) 2006, which will enable India to arrange for a multi-faceted
display of its books, art, culture and academic achievements. (3.11.2005)
Ø
Approval for setting up of Indian Institutes of Science, Education
and Research (IISER) at Pune and Kolkata at a cost of Rs.500.00 crore each. (3.11.2005)
Ø
Approval to introduce a Bill in Parliament for repealing the Agricultural
Produce Cess Act, 1940 and the Produce Cess Act 1966 in order to remove
the cess on exports. (27.10.2005)
Ø
Raising of the sectoral cap for FDI in Telecom
Sector from 49 per cent to 74 per cent.
(27.10.2005)
Ø
Approval for introduction of Downlinking Guidelines for better regulation
of satellite TV Channels uplinked from abroad and down-linked in
India especially to address concerns over content.
(20.10.2005)
Ø
Approval to rename the Varanasi Airport as “Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport,
Varanasi”. (20.10.2005)
Ø
Approval for creation of a non-lapsable
fund for elementary education – ‘Prarambhik Shiksha Kosh’
to receive the proceeds of the Education Cess as well as unspent
balances relating to Elementary Education
meant for North-East States.
(6.10.2005)
Ø
Approval for revised cost to completion of ongoing 1020MW Tala Hydroelectric
Project in Bhutan at Rs.4124 crore on agreed terms and conditions
by the two Governments. (6.10.2005)
Ø
Approval for extension of Rationalised Short
Service Commission (Scheme in the Indian Air Force for Flying
(Women) in transport, helicopter and navigation streams, aeronautical
engineering (Electronics & Mechanical) and non-technical ground
duty branches i.e. administrative, logistics, accounts, education
and meteorology beyond December, 2005 with existing terms and conditions,
revised to the extent that the term of engagement of the Rationalised
SSC Scheme will now be 10 + 4 years. (29.9.2005)
Ø
Approval for establishing the Armed Forces Tribunal under Article
246 of the Constitution of India, as per the Armed Forces Tribunal
Bill, 2005 for the adjudication of
complaints and disputes regarding service matters and appeals arising
out of the verdicts of Court Martial of the uniformed personnel
of the Army, Navy and Air Force. (29.9.2005)
Ø
Conversion of Manipur University into a Central University resulting in its accelerated
development to minimize the imbalance in educational facilities
available in the North-Eastern Region. (22.9.2005)
Ø
Approval for establishment of a Regional
Centre for Biotechnology Training and Education under
the auspices of UNESCO sponsored by Deptt. of Biotechnology, Government
of India and also gave its approval to implement the programme.
(22.9.2005)
Ø
Approval to continue helicopter services in the States of Arunachal
Pradesh, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Tripura. (22.9.2005)
Ø
Setting up of “C-DoT Alcatel Research Center” in Chennai with an outlay of Rs.212
crores, of which equity will be Rs.106 crores. (22.9.2005)
Ø
Approval for the revision of guidelines on constitution, functions
and procedures of Consultative Committees. Of
a total of 6 meetings of the Consultative Committees in a year,
it shall be mandatory to hold four meetings. Of these, three meetings
shall be held during inter-session periods. One other meeting may
be held during the session or inter-session period, according to
the convenience of the Chairman of the Committee. One meeting of
the Committee in a year could be held outside Delhi during inter-session
period. (2.9.2005)
Ø
Approval for sanctioning the payment of compensation to the farmers
of Andaman & Nicobar Islands in place of subsidy for loss of crops due
to Tsunami at an additional cost of Rs. 70.28 crores. (25.8.2005)
Ø
Approval for the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children)
Amendment Bill, 2005 to be introduced in the Parliament. A comprehensive
study of Juvenile Justice System will be undertaken. (25.8.2005)
Ø
Cabinet approved the enhanced amount payable
to freedom fighters as pension and, on their demise, to their spouses
as dependent family pension. (11.8.2005)
Ø
Time-bound
clearance for power and coal projects. Stipulation of a time
limit of 24 weeks for appraisal / approval of power and coal projects.
(11.8.2005)
Ø
Approval for one time increase of Time Related Continuity Allowance
(TRCA) by 5% for Gramin Dak Sevaks with effect from April 1, 2004.
(11.8.2005)
Ø
Approval for the signing of an Agreement between India and Nepal on Mutual Legal Assistance
in Criminal Matters and also for ratifying it. (4.8.2005)
Ø
Approved the proposal to further pursue the Hindu Succession (Amendment)
Bill 2004 in Parliament for its enactment and also to move in Rajya Sabha
certain Official Amendments. (4.8.2005)
Ø
Amendment
to Railways Act, 1989 for setting up of Rail Land Development Authority. (4.8.2005)
Ø
Modifications in the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Bill,
2005 for eliminating the possibility of misusing the proposed law by
the relatives of the husband to further victimize and harass the
wife; or the woman living in a relationship like marriage. (4.8.2005)
Ø
Approval for the adoption of National Plan of Action for Children.The National Plan of Action
will set goals regarding all indicators relating to children’s survival,
health, education, development and protection. (4.8.2005)
Ø
Approved a proposal to exempt those war disabled pensioners from
the payment of contribution for Ex-servicemen Contributory Health
Scheme (ECHS), who were disabled
due to injuries received during proclaimed wars or any other encounters
which had been specifically accorded such status. (14.7.2005)
Ø
Assistance package of Rs.1984 crore to IX
Plan of Bhutan for the period July 2002 to June 2007. It comprises development subsidy of Rs.710
crore, project tied assistance of Rs.734 crore and other subsidies
and refunds of Rs.540 crore.(14.7.2005)
Ø
Cabinet approved the establishment of Global Development Network
(GDN) as an international
organisation with its headquarters in New Delhi. (23.6.2005)
Ø
Introduction of a Bill in the Parliament to amend the Jute Manufacturers
Cess Act, 1983 empowering the Central Government to exempt the
goods produced or exported by the jute manufacturing units located
in the North Eastern Region from levy of cess for a specified period
for accelerated economic growth of the States in the North Eastern
region. (23.6.2005)
Ø
Print
media policy approved. Foreign Direct Investment ceiling of 26
per cent may be retained, but investments by Non-Resident Indians/Overseas
Corporate Bodies/Person of Indian Origin and portfolio investments
by recognised Foreign Institutional Investors may be included in
the Foreign Direct Investment limits for the news and current affairs
segment and facsimile edition of foreign newspapers and periodicals
could be brought out. (16.6.2005)
Ø
Approval for the continuance of the Block Grant Scheme of funding with some modifications,
based on the experience of implementation for the IITs (Delhi, Bombay,
Madras, Kharagpur and Kanpur), IIMs (Calcutta, Bangalore and Ahmedabad)
and IISc. Bangalore. Approval has also been given for the extension
of the modified Block Grant Scheme to the two new IITs (Guwahati
& Roorkee), three new IIMs (Lucknow, Indore and Calicut), the
Indian School of Mines (Dhanbad), the School of Planning and Architecture,
New Delhi, the National Institute of Industrial Engineering (NITIE),
Mumbai and the National Institutes of Technical Teachers Training
and Research (NITTTR) Bhopal, Chandigarh, Chennai and Kolkata with
a stipulation that the level of corpus may be allowed up to Rs.100
crore in the case of IITs and IISc and Rs.50 crore in respect of
other institutions. (16.6.2005)
Ø
Merger of DA equal to 50% of the existing
basic pay in respect of employees following Central Dearness Allowance
(CDA) pattern of Central
Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) with effect from April 1, 2004.
(16.5.2005)
Ø
Amendment of the Labour Laws for simplifying the forms of returns and
registers prescribed under certain labour laws. (16.5.2005)
Ø
Approval for the amendment of the Administrative
Tribunals Act, 1985 to provide for abolition
of the Central Administrative Tribunals and State Administrative
Tribunals. (20.4.2005)
Ø
Allowing Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOC) to charter
Ships for Oil Imports directly instead of going through
Transchart, an agency under Ministry of Shipping, as recommended
by the Committee of Secretaries by amending the existing policy
on chartering of ships for imports by PSUs.[8.4.2005]
Ø
Approval to the progressive filling up of the backlog
of reserved vacancies of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. The Cabinet
has decided to set up a Monitoring Committee under Cabinet Secretary
to review effective implementation of the policy. [8.4.2005]
Ø
Setting up of Administrative Reforms Commission. [8.4.2005]
Ø
Signing of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India
and USA in the field of transportation, science and technology. [8.4.2005]
Ø
Declaration of domestic airport at Nagpur as international
airport and renaming it as Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International
Airport.[8.4.2005]
Ø
Signing and ratification of Air Transport Agreement
between India and
USA. [13.4.2005]
Ø
Signing of Memorandum of Cooperation between India and
USA in the field of “Maritime Transport Science & Technology”.
[13.4.2005]
Ø
Special Package for National Highways in the North-East. The package includes 4/6 laning of 4000 km of National Highways
in the region. Approval has also been given for 4/6 laning of additional
6000 km under NHDP Phase III-B. NHDP Phase III would be implemented
on Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) basis and the overall cost
of four laning of 10,000 km (4000 km + 6000 km) would be Rs.55,000
crore.[5.3.2005]
Ø
Introduction of Unemployment Allowance Scheme. An insured
person going out of insurable employment involuntarily on or after
April 1, 2005, on account of closure of a factory or establishment,
retrenchment or permanent invalidity, after being in an insurable
employment and contributed under the scheme for five or more years,
shall be entitled to claim unemployment allowance for a maximum
period of six months during his/her entire service.[16.3.2005]
Ø
Launching of National Electricity Policy. The policy
aims at access to electricity for all households in the next five
years; availability of power to be fully met by 2012; supply of
reliable and quality power of specified standards in an efficient
manner and at reasonable rates; per capita availability of electricity
to be increased to over 100 units by 2012; minimum lifeline consumption
of one unit per household per day by the year 2012; financial turnaround
and commercial viability of electricity sector; and protection of
consumers’ interest.[2.2.2005]
Ø
Enhancement of composite foreign holding in Telecom
sector to 74 per cent. With this decision, the current FDI ceiling
in the Telecom sector in certain services (such as Basic, Cellular,
Unified Access Services, Global Mobile Personal Communications Services
and other value added services, has been increased from 49 per cent
to 74 per cent.[2.2.2005]
Ø
Continuation of the Commission for Economically Backward
Classes beyond January
5, 2005. [17.2.2005]
Ø
Cabinet releases Rs.500 crore towards National Calamity
Contingency Fund. Cabinet Committee constituted to monitor relief
& rehabilitation. Relief and Rehabilitation package costing Rs.2731.04
crore for the people affected by Tsunami on December 26, 2004 in
the States of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and UT of Pondicherry.
Tsunami Relief and Rehabilitation Package costing Rs.821.88 crore
for UT of Andaman & Nicobar Islands.[17.2.2005, 27.12.2004,
19.1.2005]
Ø
Setting up of National Disaster Management Authority under the
Chairmanship of the Prime Minister to be assisted by an Executive
Committee of Secretaries and building up specialized capabilities
for rapid intervention in case of disasters. The Authority will
draw up Disaster Management Plan, coordinating and monitoring its
implementation as also coordinating response to a disaster. [24.2.2005]
Ø
Launching of the National Rural Health Mission (NRHM). [4.1.2005]
Ø
Declaration of domestic airport at Srinagar as an International
Airport. [27.1.2005]
Ø Launching
of the National Project for repair, renovation and restoration of
water bodies directly
linked to agriculture and approval for incurring expenditure of
Rs.225 crore as the share of the Centre (being 75 per cent of the
total scheme outlay of Rs.300 crore) and Rs.75 crore as State share.
The Scheme aims at restoring and augmenting storage capacities of
water bodies, recovering and extending their lost irrigation potential.
The period of duration for completion of the National Project will
be approximately 7 to 10 years. [27.1.2005]
Ø
Enhancement of the basic pension for unemployed
and unmarried daughters of freedom fighters from Rs.600 per month
to the eldest daughter & Rs.350 each per month to the other
two daughters to Rs.1500 each per month for all three daughters.
Under this scheme, approximately 1100 unemployed and unmarried daughters
of freedom fighters will be benefited.[27.1.2005]
Ø
Approval for introduction of a Bill in Parliament to
amend the Railways Act, 1989 to include commercial utilization
of the railway land/air-space and
for setting up “Rail Land Development Authority”.[8.12.2004]
Ø
Approval for undertaking the GSAT-5/INSAT-4D Spacecraft
Project at a total cost of Rs.123.75 crore with a foreign exchange
component of Rs.83.25 crore. The launch of the high power satellite
will enhance the capacity and provide much needed back up to the
present C-band capacity. [22.12.2004]
Ø
Decision on strengthening Air India; establishing
improved operational synergy between Air India and Indian Airlines,
allowing eligible Indian Scheduled Carriers to operate on international
routes and discontinuing the practice of mandating commercial agreements
on all new services, reviewing the existing commercial agreements
and phasing them out over the next five years. [29.12.2004]
Ø
Creation of National Commission for Minority Educational
Institutions to grant direct affiliation to Minority Educational
Institutions to a Scheduled University. ‘Scheduled University’ initially
includes the six affiliating Central universities, viz., University
of Delhi, North Eastern Hill University, Pondicherry University,
Assam University, Nagaland University and Mizoram University. [11.11.2004]
Ø
Setting up of Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU-IND)
with the aim of preventing and combating money laundering and related
crimes. [11.11.2004]
Ø
Proposal to introduce legislation to provide a regulatory
framework for the New Pension System. [11.11.2004]
Ø
Granting of Constitutional status to the National Commission
for Minorities by introduction of a Bill in the Parliament to amend the Constitution
and another Bill to repeal the National Commission for Minorities
Act, 1992. The Constitutional status to the Commission would infuse
greater confidence among the minorities about the working and the
effectiveness of the Commission.[24.11.2004]
Ø
Introduction of National Food for Work Programme (NFFWP). [13.10.2004]
Ø
Reconstitution of National Commission on Farmers with revised
terms of reference.
[13.10.2004]
Ø
Formation of a Special Purpose Vehicle ‘Sethusamudram
Corporation Limited’ to raise finance and to undertake such other
activities to facilitate creation and operation of a navigable channel
from Gulf of Mannar to the Bay of Bengal through the Palk Bay, or,
for any other project in the port sector. [2.9.2004]
Ø
Setting up of Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’
Rights Authority to fulfil India’s obligation under Agreement on Trade
Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) of WTO as
also to stimulate investment in research and development for the
development of new plant varieties which will facilitate the growth
of the seed industry and ensure the availability of high quality
seeds to the farmers. [2.9.2004]
Ø
Repeal of POTA and Amendment of Unlawful Activities
(Prevention) Act. The CMP of UPA Government contains a commitment
to that effect. Given the abuse of POTA in the past, the Government
decided to promulgate an Ordinance to repeal POTA. It was also decided
to promulgate another Ordinance, 1967 for the incorporation of certain
provisions in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act to deal with
various facets of terrorism. [17.9.2004]
Ø
Creation of new category of languages as ‘Classical
Languages’ and declaring Tamil as a ‘Classical Language’.[17.9.2004]
Ø
Setting up of a separate Department of Ex-Servicemen’s
Welfare in the Ministry of Defence in response to the long-standing
demand by ex-servicemen that the Government address their needs
and aspirations in a focussed manner.[17.9.2004]
Ø
Setting up of National Commission on Enterprises in
the Unorganised/Informal Sector. [17.9.2004]
Ø
Approval for the signing and ratification of the two
optional protocols to the Convention on the Rights of the Children, namely,
Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict and Sale of Children,
Child Prostitution and Child Pornography.[17.9.2004]
Ø
Setting up of the National Commission for welfare of
socially and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic
minorities. It will suggest criteria for identification of socially
and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic
minorities. It will also recommend measures for the welfare of socially
and economically backward sections among religious and linguistic
minorities, including reservation in education and government employment.
[29.9.2004]
Ø
Approval for the Astronomy Satellite (ASTROSAT) project at an estimated cost of Rs.177.85 crore with a foreign exchange
component of Rs.106.59 crore. [26.7.2004]
Ø
Approval for submission of India’s Initial National
Communication to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate
Change. The objective
of the Convention is to achieve stabilisation of concentrations
of greenhouse gases of anthropogenic origin in the atmosphere at
the level that would prevent dangerous interference with the climate
system. (15.6.2004)
Ø
Adoption of the Common Minimum Programme as the “National
Common Minimum Programme” (NCMP) for its speedy and effective
implementation. With a view to implementing the programme effectively,
each Ministry concerned with the items would be expected to work
out modalities along with financial implications.
The concerned Ministries would, in consultation with the
Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance and the Department of Legal
Affairs, Ministry of Law & Justice, work out road
maps along with proposals for legislation for implementing such
items and seek approvals at appropriate levels of the Government.
Each Ministry would develop its own periodical monitoring and reporting
mechanism. With a view to overseeing effective implementation of
NCMP, it has been decided to set up a National Advisory Council
with a Chairperson with the rank of a Cabinet Minister and 20 members
to be appointed by the Prime Minister. [28.5.2004]
*****
Some of the major decisions taken by the Cabinet Committee on Economic
Affairs under the Chairmanship of the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan
Singh, are listed below. The dates on which the decisions were taken
are given in brackets.
Ø Approval
for continuation of the ‘Nutrition Programme for Adolescent Girls’
in the year 2006-07 in 51 Districts as per existing guidelines.
(9.5.2006)
Ø Implementation
of Phase-II of Special Package
for the North East Region (including Sikkim) and Island Territories
at a total estimated cost of Rs.400.17 crore (AIR -
Rs.143.32 crore and DD – Rs.265.85 crore). CCEA has also given its ex-post-facto approval for the expenditure
incurred during the financial year 2005-06. (9.5.2006)
Ø Approval
for floating and approval of tenders for Kaniah Opencast Coal Mining
Project of Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd. (MCL) for outsourcing coal
projection and overburden removal for 10 Million tonnes per year capacity. (18.4.2006)
Ø Approval to implement the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya
Suraksha Yojana
(PMSSY) for establishing and managing six AIIMS like institutions,
one each in the States of Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa,
Rajasthan and Uttaranchal. (5.4.2006)
Ø Approval
for continuation of the Centrally sponsored scheme of assistance
to State Scheduled Castes Development Corporations (SCDCS) during
the 10th Five Year Plan 2002-07 with an allocation of
Rs.188.26 crore. (9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for the modification of certain
parameters of the Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC). Revision in the unit cost of both models of
household toilets under TSC from Rs.625 to Rs.850 and from Rs.1000
to Rs.1350 to offset the inflationary pressure.
(9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for incurring an expenditure of
Rs.100 crores for upgrading the overall infrastructure of Indian
Institute of Science, Bangalore (IISc) by 2006-07. (9.3.2006)
Ø
Approval for additional (350-430) Kasturba
Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV – residential schools) for girls belonging
to SC, ST, OBC and Minority Communities,
in difficult areas, at upper primary level.
(1.2.2006)
Ø
New Central Sector Scheme called ‘Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship’ (RGNF) with effect from
2005-06 for providing fellowships to the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled
Tribe students to pursue regular and full time M.Phil and Ph.D courses.
(19.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for amendment in Centrally Sponsored
Scheme on Technology Mission for Integrated Development
of Horticulture in N-E, Sikkim, J&K, H.P. and Uttaranchal (TMNE)
during the X plan to provide for enhancement of assistance of the
components of TMNE at par with National Horticulture Mission.(19.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for establishment of a Central
Institute of Horticulture at Medziphema Campus, Nagaland. (12.1.2006)
Ø
Approval for implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme on
Micro Irrigation during the Tenth Five Year Plan with a total cost of Rs.2091.85
crore . (29.12.2005)
Ø
Extension of the ongoing World Bank assisted Revised National TB
Control Programme (RNTCP) for another five years from October 1, 2005 to September
30, 2010 at a total cost of Rs.115,610 lakhs. (23.12.2005)
Ø
Delegation
of investment decision-making powers to OIL and IOC for acquiring
exploration and production assets abroad.
(16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to implement the scheme Council
of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) on Intellectual
Property And Technology Management (IPTM) at a total cost of Rs.145.15
crore over the period of Tenth Five Year Plan.
(16.12.2005)
Ø
Approval for transmission system of Power Grid Corporation of India
Ltd.
(PGCIL) associated with Barh Generation Project (3 X 660 MW) at
a total estimated cost of Rs.3779.46 crore. (1.12.2005)
Ø
Approval to the Boards of ONGC, IOC and
GAIL to offload their cross-holdings in each other.
(24.11.2005)
Ø
Rajiv Gandhi National Creche Scheme for
the children of working mothers - by merging the existing
two schemes viz. National Creche Fund Scheme, with the Scheme for
Assistance to Voluntary Organisation for running Creches for the
children of Working/ailing women and liquidating the corpus of Rs.19.90
crore. (24.11.2005)
Ø Approval
for National Steel Policy envisaging that India should have
a modern and efficient steel industry of world standards, catering
to diversified steel demand. The
aim of the policy is to make the Indian steel industry globally
competitive not only in terms of cost, quality and product mix but
also in terms of global benchmarks of efficiency and productivity.
Ø Revised
scheme of Quality Improvement in Schools having a X Five Year
Plan Outlay of Rs.115 crores. (3.11.2005)
Ø Approval
for setting up of the Public Private Partnership Appraisal Committee,
on the model of Public Investment
Board (PIB), with the authority to appraise projects where the capital
cost or the cost of underlying assets of the project exceeds Rs.100
crore. (27.10.2005)
Ø Setting up of Parbati Hydroelectric Project
Stage-III (4 X 130 MW) in Himachal Pradesh by NHPC at an estimated cost of Rs.2304.56 crores. (20.10.2005)
Ø Modification
in the grant-in-aid pattern of the Integrated Child Development
Services (ICDS) Scheme to provide grant-in-aid to States/UTs
for supplementary nutrition to the extent of 50% of financial norms,
or 50% of expenditure actually incurred, whichever is less. (6.10.2005)
Ø Establishment of an Early Warning System for
mitigation of Oceanogenic Disasters like Tsunami and ‘Storm Surges’ in the Indian Ocean at an estimated cost
of Rs.125 crore. (6.10.2005)
Ø Enhancement
of monthly wage limit from Rs.2500/- to Rs.3500/- with effect from
April 1, 1993 instead of February 5, 2002 under the Textile Workers’
Rehabilitation Fund Scheme (TWRFS). (29.9.2005)
Ø
Amendments to the on-going Credit Linked
Capital Subsidy Scheme (CLCSS) for Small Scale Industries
(SSI). The amendments will include raising
the ceiling on loans under the scheme from Rs.40 lakh to Rs.1 crore
and
raising the rate of subsidy from 12 per cent to 15 per cent
for SSI units in general.
(22.9.2005)
Ø
Construction of 660 kms long product pipeline by Oil India Limited
from Numaligarh to Siliguri, at an estimated cost of Rs.468.92 crores. (22.9.2005)
Ø
Improvement of selected road length of 7639
kms in the North Eastern region at an estimated cost of Rs.12,123
crores.
(22.9.2005)
Ø
Approval of an amount of Rs.298.76 crore
towards the conservation and management of Dal-Nagin Lake in Srinagar,
Jammu & Kashmir under the umbrella scheme of National Lake Conservation
Plan
(NLCP). (22.9.2005)
Ø
Sale of 8% Government owned equity in MUL, leaving a balance stake
of 10.28% Government owned equity in MUL. (2.9.2005)
Ø
Setting up of Chamera Hydro Electric Project Stage III (231 MW) in
Himachal Pradesh by NHPC with an estimated cost of Rs.1405.63 crores. The cost includes
Interest During Construction and Financing Charges of Rs.119.66
crores. (25.8.2005)
Ø
Setting up of Uri Hydroelectric Project Stage-II (4 X 60 MW) in the
State of Jammu & Kashmir by NHPC at an estimated cost of Rs.1724.79 crores. (25.7.2005)
Ø
Implementation of National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure
Project (NATRIP) in the country with a total investment of Rs. 1718
crore. (25.7.2005)
Ø
Scheme for Integrated Textile Parks for creating up to 25 Integrated
Textile Parks for Export. CCEA also approved the budget allocation of Rs.
625 crores in 2005-06 and 2006-07 for the scheme as contribution
of the Government of India. (25.7.2005)
Ø
Introduction of a Scheme for financial Support to Public Private
Partnerships (PPPs) in infrastructure scheme would lead to increase in investment in
critical infrastructure sectors, improved productivity of investment
and improve quality and service delivery. (25.7.2005)
Ø
Implementation of Rs.290 crore scheme for Integrated Development
of the Leather Sector (IDLS) during the Tenth Five Year Plan period. (30.6.2005)
Ø
Setting up of a world class Drug Research Institute at Lucknow under
X Five Year Plan at an estimated cost of Rs.190 crore. (16.6.2005)
Ø
Disinvestment 10 per cent equity of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited. (26.5.2005)
Ø
Approval for the establishment of transmission
system associated with Rajasthan Atomic Power Project
(RAPP) – 5 & 6 at a total estimated cost of Rs.499.45 crore.
(26.5.2005)
Ø
Package of relief measures to revive the
coffee sector. (26.5.2005)
Ø
Approval for implementation
of Sethusamudram Ship Channel Project at a cost of Rs.2,427.40 crore. (19.5.2005)
Ø
Launching of a National Horticulture Mission (NHM) in the Department
of Agriculture & Cooperation as a Centrally sponsored Scheme
with an outlay of Rs.2300 crore for X Plan and appropriate structures
at the National, State and District levels to promote the holistic
growth of horticulture in the country. (19.5.2005)
Ø
Approval for taking up the project on ‘Spearheading Small Civilian
Aircraft Design, Development and Manufacture’ by National Aerospace
Laboratories (NAL) / CSIR with a total cost of Rs.96.00 crore. (27.4.2005)
Ø
Approval for the continuation of the existing 1562 Fast Track Courts
for a further period of five years, involving an expenditure of
Rs.509 crore. (27.4.2005)
Ø
Additional
incentive under Technology
Upgradation Fund Scheme (TUFS). Accordingly,
grant will be provided for the textile processing units, in addition
to the normal interest subsidy of 5 per cent and a capital subsidy
of 10 per cent for benchmarked processing machinery under TUFS prospectively.
(20.4.2005)
Ø
Implementation of Central Sector Scheme “Development
and Strengthening of Infrastructure Facilities for Production and
Distribution of Quality Seeds” in X Plan with a total plan outlay of Rs.159 crore.
[8.4.2005]
Ø
Enhancement of assistance to disabled persons. Income eligibility
ceiling has been raised from the existing Rs.5000 per month to Rs.6500/-
for 100 per cent and from Rs.6501 to Rs.10,000 per month for 50
per cent concession. [8.4.2005]
Ø
Strengthening distribution network of PDS Kerosene
and Domestic LPG for the targeted segments of the population in
line with the National Common Minimum Programme.
[8.4.2005]
Ø
Umbrella Scheme of “Studies on Inputs for Agricultural
Economic Policy and Development” with an outlay of Rs.110.89
crore. It envisages studying the cost of cultivation of principal
crops and setting up agro-economic research centres. [20.4.2005]
Ø
Restructuring of the Jute Corporation of India for strengthening
its financial footing so that it can play an effective role in maintaining
Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Jute and in stabilizing prices through
large scale buffer stock operations.
[27.4.2005]
Ø
Approval for design and manufacture of small civilian
aircraft by National Aerospace Laboratories and CSIR. The project will catalyse Feeder airlines services
by building of air-bridges between smaller towns and in inaccessible
geographical terrain like the N-E region, providing societal services
like air ambulance, disaster relief and security operations such
as surveillance and coast guard, etc.
[27.4.2005]
Ø
Bill to amend section 66 of the Factories Act to provide
flexibility in the matter of employment of women. The new
provisions in the Act no woman shall be required or allowed
to work in any factory except between the hours of
6 a.m. and 7 p.m. [29.3.2005]
Ø
Conversion of Manipur University into a Central University. [29.3.2005]
Ø
Approval to Indian Olympic Association (IOA)
to bid for Asian Games, 2014.
[29.3.2005]
Ø
Declaring NAFED as an agency in addition to Cotton Corporation
of India for undertaking price support operation in cotton in addition
to Cotton Corporation of India.
[17.2.2005]
Ø
Rural Electricity Infrastructure and Household Electrification.
[17.2.2005]
Ø
Implementation of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of
Assistance for Capacity Building’ during X Plan period for providing
financial assistance to the States/Union Territories for upgradation
and strengthening of emergency facilities of hospitals in towns/cities
located on National Highways with an outlay of Rs.110 crore. [4.1.2005]
Ø
Constitution of “National Investment Fund”. The broad
investment objective of the Fund will be investment in social sector
projects which promote education, healthcare and employment; and
capital investment in selected profitable PSEs that yield adequate
returns, in order to enlarge their capital base to finance expansion/
diversification. [27.1.2005]
Ø
Implementation of “Umbrella Scheme on Technology Vision
2020 Projects in Mission Mode” in six identified areas, including
agriculture agro-food processing; road construction and transportation
equipment; upgradation of textile machinery/industry; healthcare
services and herbal/natural products and upgradation of science
and engineering colleges with an outlay of Rs.347.54 crore upto
2006-07. The Scheme would benefit in strengthening the
technological capabilities of the nation in the respective sector;
imparting skills to the rural masses and unemployed youth; bridging
technological gap in harnessing country’s potential in technology
development frontier areas; making India globally competitive by
producing world class quality products/processes and realization
of a developed India by 2020. [27.1.2005]
Ø
Scheme of Information and Communication Technology in
Schools. This is a Centrally
sponsored scheme with an allocation of Rs.800 crore during X Plan
and will cover 9380 Secondary and Higher Secondary schools. Financing
pattern of the scheme is 75 per cent by the Centre and 25 per cent
by the States. [15.12.2004]
Ø
Approval for acquisition of 109 vessels to strengthen
Customs Marine Capability at an estimated cost of Rs.153.85 crore. [15.12.2004]
Ø
Cost Neutralisation Scheme for Export of Indian Cotton.
[22.12.2004]
Ø
Constitution of Board for Reconstruction of Public Sector Enterprises. [3.11.2004]
Ø
National Mission on Bamboo Applications by Technology
Information, Forecasting & Assessment Council during X Plan
with a budgetary support of Rs.100 crore from the Department of
S&T and an anticipated contribution of Rs.64 crore by participating
agencies and partners. The investment would lead to an anticipated
value addition of around Rs.800 crore annually by the end of X Plan
period and to substantial employment creation.
[3.11.2004]
Ø
Sanctioning of Rs.150 crore as the share
of the Central Government (90 per cent grant and 10 per cent loan)
for taking up critical flood control and anti-erosion schemes in
Brahmaputra and Barak Valley by the State Governments of Assam,
Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya
and Manipur) during X Plan period. [24.11.2004]
Ø
Approval for execution of Kameng Hydro-electric Project
in Arunachal Pradesh at an estimated cost of Rs.2496.90
crore. [24.11.2004]
Ø
Additional investment in Sakhalin I project of ONGC
Videsh. The Government has authorized ONGC Videsh Ltd. to invest
an additional amount of up to US$1.07 billion for the Phase I development
of Sakhalin-I offshore field. ONGC/OVL will raise this money from
their own resources. The additional investment in the project will
help in acquiring equity oil abroad and will help in increasing
oil security for the country.
[24.11.2004]
Ø
Implementation of National Cancer Control Programme at an outlay
of Rs.266 crore during X Five Year Plan. Approval for incurring
of expenditure on infrastructural facilities in the 2nd
campus of CNCI, Kolkata to the extent of Rs.25 crore in X Plan.
This is aimed at enhanced availability of cancer treatment facilities.
[24.11.2004]
Ø
Development of Indira Gandhi National Open University
and Open Learning System during X Plan period at an expenditure of Rs.510 crore
out of which Government of India share will be Rs.380 crore. The
Government has also decided to continue the Scheme at the tertiary
level after X Plan period. [13.10.2004]
Ø
Approval for continuation of Development and Reform
Facility by allocation of Rs.1000 crore per annum for the Special Plan
for Bihar during the remaining three years of X Plan (2004-05 to
2006-07) and allocation of Rs.250 crore per annum for the Special
Plan for the undivided Kalahandi-Bolangir-Koraput (KBK) districts
of Orissa. With the implementation of this scheme, accelerated socio-economic
development of the areas is expected, particularly in terms of the
interventions specific to each area. [13.10.2004]
Ø
Implementation of INDUS Project launched by the Ministry
of Labour & Employment, in cooperation with the Department
of Labour, USA under ILO in 20 identified districts in the States
of Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and the
NCT of Delhi. The project will provide rehabilitation of 80,000
working children in the identified hazardous industries. [13.10.2004]
Ø
Setting up of Investment Commission. The Commission
will help in promoting the flow of investment both domestic and
foreign. The Commission will endeavour to reduce gap between proposals
and projects under implementation and to quicken the pace of investment. [27.10.2004]
Ø
Implementation of Integrated Disease Surveillance Project
at an outlay of Rs.408.36 crore during the period 2004-09.
The project would be implemented in the entire country. [15.9.2004]
Ø
Approval for an outlay of Rs.445 crore for National
Programme for Control of Blindness during X Plan. [17.9.2004]
Ø
Setting up of National Manufacturing Competitiveness
Council. [17.9.2004]
Ø
Implementation of Technology Mission on Cotton during X
Plan with an outlay of Rs.568.17 crore including Central share of
Rs.472.60 crore. [25.8.2004]
Ø
Development and Operation of International Container
Transhipment Terminal (ICTT) in Cochin Port. The project will improve the
container handling facilities at the Rajiv Gandhi Container Terminal
(RGCT), Kochi and result in establishment of container handling
facilities for trans-shipment purposes at Cochin Port.
[25.8.2004]
*****
