The Cabinet, on Tuesday, approved a 3 per cent increase in Dearness Allowance (DA), over the existing rate of 9 per cent, to government employees and dearness relief to pensioners from January 1, 2019. The move will lead to a cost of ₹9,168.12 crore to the exchequer.

The Cabinet also approved the promulgation four ordinances — on Triple Talaq, Medical Council Act, banning of illegal deposits and Companies Amendment Bill.

In a bid to boost public infrastructure, the Cabinet also approved the proposal for construction of Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) covering the distance of 82.15 Kms at a total completion cost of ₹ 30,274 crore. This is the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut Corridor of the RRTS.

Since the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh had exhausted its capacity; the Cabinet has approved transfer 50 acres of land to the institution at a cost of Rs 180 crore. This will enable building of new OPD, shifting of Trauma Centre and enabling better Cancer Care.

It also approved continuation of the Swadesh Darshan Scheme which focuses on development of integrated theme-based tourist circuits in the country. About ₹ 2055.96 crore has been allocated for 60 on-going projects in December 2019 and additional ₹ 324.09 crore for six projects has been allocated for six projects to be completed in September 2020. These projects have already got substantial funds.

Meanwhile, the Cabinet Committee on Econonomic Affairs has approved revision of norms under Mid-Day Meal Scheme with the outlay of ₹ 12054 crore for 2019-2020, in addition to the subsidy of about ₹8000 crore borne by Department of Food and Public Distribution.

 

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