Cabinet Approves Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme for Implementation of Offshore Wind Energy Pr...
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Viability Gap Funding (VGF) scheme for offshore wind energy projects at a total outlay of Rs. 7453 crore, including an outlay of Rs. 6853 crore for installation and commissioning of 1 GW of offshore wind energy projects (500 MW each off the coast of Gujarat and Tamil Nadu), and grant of Rs. 600 crore for upgradation of two ports to meet logistics requirements for offshore wind energy projects.
The VGF scheme is a major step towards implementation of the National Offshore Wind Energy Policy notified in 2015 with an aim to exploit the vast offshore wind energy potential that exists within the exclusive economic zone of India. The VGF support from the Government will reduce the cost of power from offshore wind projects and make them viable for purchase by DISCOMs. While the projects will be established by private developers selected though a transparent bidding process, the power excavation infrastructure, including the offshore substations, will be constructed by Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL). Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, as the nodal ministry, will coordinate with various Ministries/Departments to ensure successful implementation of the scheme.
Jun 20, 2024
Cabinet Clears Scheme for Forensic Infra
In a bid to have more scientific investigations across the country to achieve better conviction rates in criminal cases, the Union Cabinet approved the National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme (NFIES).
The scheme, with a financial outlay of Rs. 2,254.43 crore during the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29, aims to establish campuses of National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) across the country apart from setting up more central forensic science laboratories enhancing existing infrastructure of NFSU, Delhi.
The development assumes significance in the wake of the new criminal laws coming into effect from July 1, 2024.
The Cabinet decision came on a proposal from MHA. Financial outlay of the central sector scheme will be provisioned by the MHA from its own budget.
Jun 19, 2024
Centre Extends the Digital Health Incentive Scheme
The central government gave a year-long extension to the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS) meant for digitising patients' health records and linking them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). The scheme, which was launched on January 1, 2023, will now remain in effect till June 30, 2025. The Centre also sought details from states and union territories on the utilisation of funds received through the scheme.
Jun 13, 2024
Chief Minister Stalin Launches Soil Health Scheme in Tamil Nadu
Chief Minister M.K. Stalin inaugurated the 'Chief Minister's Mannuyir Kaathu Mannuyir Kaappom' scheme to improve the soil health across Tamil Nadu.
The Rs. 206 crore scheme announced in the state agriculture budget will benefit 2 lakh farmers.
In the first phase green manure will be cultivated on 2 lakh acres at Rs. 20 crore.
Jun 12, 2024
Assam Approves Stipend Scheme for Girl Students
In its crackdown against child marriage in the state, the Assam government approved a scheme to provide monetary benefits to girl students every month.
The scheme named Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina (MMNM) is expected to cover around one million girl students and cost the exchequer Rs. 300 crore in the first year and around Rs. 1,500 crore over a five-year period.
Girl students who have passed Class 10 and have enrolled in Class 11 will get Rs. 1,000 per month (excluding two months of summer vacation) for two years till they complete their Class 12 board exams. The amount will be transferred to their bank accounts on the 11th of every month, said Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma.
Further, the girl students who have completed Class 12 boards and enrolled in degree courses will get a monthly stipend of Rs. 1,250 for the next three to four years till they complete their graduation, and those who have enrolled in post-graduation and Bachelor of Education courses will get Rs. 2,500 per month till their courses get over.
Sarma had in April this year (2024) promised that the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the state will take the responsibility of educating girl students up to the postgraduate level.
+91-85588-96644
