Cabinet allocates Rs 1 lakh crore to boost farm productivity

The Union Cabinet has approved two schemes-PM-Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana-to improve farmers' income and food security, allocating ₹1,01,321 crore.

It has also approved the National Mission on Edible Oils-Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to make India self-reliant in oilseed production, allocating Rs 10,103 crore.

Under PM-RKVY, the focus will be on enhancing farm productivity through various measures such as soil health and fertility, rained area development, per drop more crop, crop diversification and agricultural mechanisation, said union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.


Chennai Metro, plr scheme

The cabinet on Thursday accorded its approval for the second phase of the Chennai Metro Rail project at an outlay of ₹63,246 crore.

It also cleared ₹2,028.57 crore of productivity linked bonus for 117.2 million railway employees, and a modified productivity linked reward scheme for employees of the major ports and dock labour board.

The 118.9-kilometre second phase of Chennai Metro Rail will have three corridors and 128 stations, a government statement said.

Detailing the benefits for railway employees from the Cabinet decision, a government statement said they can expect to receive the bonus before the Durga Puja of Dussehra holidays.

The maximum amount payable per eligible railway employee is ₹17,951 for 78 days. This amount will be disbursed to Group-C railway staffers who include track maintainers, loco pilots, train managers (guards), station masters, supervisors, technicians, technician helpers, pointsman and ministerial staff, it said.

Energy Efficiency

The Cabinet also paved the way for India to join the International Energy Efficiency Hub. This brings India at par with Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, European Commission, France, Germany, and Japan, among others.