Union Cabinet decisions: Before the announcement of International Women's Day and Lok Sabha election dates, Modi government has taken many big decisions. Modi government has extended the subsidy on LPG cylinders for one year. Beneficiaries of PM Ujjwala Yojana will continue to get subsidy on LPG cylinders till 31 March 2025. In the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it has been decided to extend the subsidy period on LPG cylinders by one year.
1. For Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) beneficiaries, the government has allowed continuation of targeted subsidy of ₹300 per 14.2 kg cylinder for up to 12 refills per year. Beneficiaries can avail the benefits of this scheme starting from April 1, 2024 till March 31, 2025. Piyush Goyal said that this will cost a total of Rs 12,000 crore.
2. The cabinet meeting was held on Thursday, March 7, 2024, in which the decision was taken to increase dearness allowance from 46 percent to 50 percent. This decision of the government will benefit about 49 lakh central employees and about 68 lakh pensioners. Modi government has opened the treasury for government employees and pensioners before Holi. Dearness allowance and dearness relief for central employees and pensioners have been increased from 46 percent to 50 percent. The decision to increase dearness allowance has been taken in the cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dearness allowance has been extended from January 1 to June 30, 2024.
3. In the press briefing after the Union Cabinet meeting chaired by PM Narendra Modi, Minister Piyush Goyal said that the Cabinet has approved 'India AI Mission' with an outlay of Rs 10,371.92 crore for five years. The IndiaAI Mission will create a comprehensive ecosystem to accelerate AI innovation through strategic programs and partnerships across the public and private sectors. Making computing accessible to all, improving data quality, developing indigenous AI capabilities will attract top AI talent. It will enable AI industry collaboration, provide startup risk capital, ensure socially impactful AI projects, and strengthen ethical AI.
4. The government has fixed the minimum support price of jute for the season 2024-25 at Rs. 5,050 to Rs. 5,335 have been done. Thus, the MSP of raw jute has been increased by 5.6 percent. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said that increasing the minimum support price of raw jute will directly benefit 40 lakh jute farmer families.
5. The Cabinet Committee on Security approved proposals to procure 34 new ALH Dhruv helicopters for the Indian Army and Indian Coast Guard. ANI quoted defense officials as saying that the Indian Army will get 25 of these helicopters, while the Indian Coast Guard will get 9 helicopters. The helicopter will be manufactured indigenously by public sector company Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.
6. Cabinet approves ₹10,037 crore scheme to promote industrialization in North-East region. A press note said that the proposed scheme envisages about 2180 applications and is estimated to generate about 83,000 direct employment opportunities during the scheme period. A large number of indirect employment is also expected to be generated. Under the scheme, investors will be given incentives for setting up new units or substantial expansion of existing units. The scheme will be effective with committed obligations for eight years from the date of notification till March 31, 2034.