Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh (C) announcing Narendra Modi Cabinet decisions on Wednesday. Union Law Minister Ravishankar Prasad (R) is also seen. (PIB)
Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today gave its approval to the implementation of an umbrella scheme for modernisation of police between 2017-18 to 2019-20 with a total financial outlay of Rs.25,060 crore. Out of this, the Central share will be Rs.18,636 crore and the States’ share will be Rs.6,424 crore. Among other decisions, the Cabinet approved signing and ratification of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) between India and Belarus to increase investment flows between the two countries. The signing and ratification of the treaty between the two countries will work as a strategic initiative as Belarus is a member of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Here we take a look at all the decisions taken by Narendra Modi Cabinet today, according to PIB:
Inter-bank Local Currency Credit Line Agreement and Cooperation Memorandum relating to Credit Ratings by EXIM Bank under BRICS Interbank Cooperation mechanism:
Both the agreement and the MoU are umbrella pacts, and non-binding in nature. Board of Directors of Exim Bank has been authorized to negotiate and conclude any individual contracts and commitments within their framework. The agreements will promote multilateral interaction within the area of mutual interest which will deepen political and economic relations with BRICS nations.
The agreement will position Exim Bank in the international platform along with large development finance institutions, like CDS, VEB and BNDES. At an appropriate time, Exim Bank, leveraging this umbrella agreement, could enter into bilateral agreement with any of these member institutions to raise resources for its business. As and when an opportunity arises for co-financing in commercial terms, by any two member institutions (say India and South Africa), lending in single currency by both the institutions would also be possible.
Cooperation in the field of Information, ‘Communication and Media’ between India and Ethiopia
It aims to harness the growing power of Information, Communication and Media for information dissemination and enhancing outreach between the two countries for inclusive development. It will also enhance people to people contact through exchange programmes. It would also provide an opportunity for both the nations to share best practices and new innovations in the field of Information, Communication & Media.
Permanent transfer of land measuring 1899 sq.m. by AAI to Lucknow Metro Rail Corporation (LMRC):
The Union Cabinet has given its approval to permanent transfer of land measuring 1899 sq.m. by Airports Authority of India (AAI) to Lucknow Metro Rail Corportion (LMRC) at Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport, Lucknow. LMRC requires this land for construction of Entry/Exit structure for Transport Nagar Metro Station which is an operational requirement of LMRC. This is a Public Utility Project of mass transportation to be used by the public at large, and will provide better connectivity and convenience to general public.
Swapping of 10.25 acres of AAI land at Rajahmundry Airport with equivalent extent of land offered by Government of Andhra Pradesh:
This proposal intends to provide road connectivity to the villages around the Rajahmundry Airport, in order to facilitate ease of access to the general public of the area.
Modernisation of Police Forces
The Union Cabinet has given its approval for implementation of umbrella scheme of “Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF)” for years 2017-18 to 2019-20. The financial outlay for the scheme over the three year’s period is Rs.25,060 crore, out of which the Central Government share will be Rs.18,636 crore and the States’ share will be Rs.6,424 crore.
The special provision has been made under the Scheme for internal security, law and order, women security, availability of modern weapons, mobility of police forces, logistics support, hiring of helicopters, upgradation of police wireless, National Satellite Network, CCTNS project, E-prison project etc.
Central budget outlay of Rs.10,132 crore has been earmarked for internal security related expenditure for Jammu & Kashmir, North Eastern States and left wing extremism affected States. Scheme of Special Central Assistance (SCA) for 35 worst LWE affected districts has been introduced with an outlay of Rs.3,000 crore to tackle the issue of underdevelopment in these district. An outlay of Rs.100 crore has been earmarked in the North Eastern States for police infrastructure upgradation, training institutes, investigation facilities etc.
MoU between India and Belarus in oil and gas sector:
The MoU was first signed on 12th September, 2017 during the visit of President of Belarus to India. It will promote bilateral relationship between India and Belarus and it is envisaged to enhance the economic and commercial cooperation between the two sides in oil and natural gas sector.
Bilateral Investment Treaty between India and Belarus on investments
The Treaty is likely to increase investment flows between the two countries. The agreement is expected to improve the confidence of the investors resulting in an increase in FDI and Overseas Director Investment (ODI) opportunities and this will have a positive impact on employment generation.
MoU between India and Afghanistan on Technical Cooperation on Police Training and Development
The MoU will help in capacity building of Afghanistan National Police and improving the security apparatus in the region. It has been approved for a period of 5 years from the date of signing the MoU and shall be extended for a further period of 5 years on the condition that are not further changes and or revision.
Providing Defence land to Communication Operators for construction of Shared Communication Towers and allied Infrastructure
The revised policy will cover allotment of Defence land on lease and grant of permission in Defence areas and Cantonments to Access Service Licensees and Companies registered with DoT as IP-I for setting up shared communication towers and allied infrastructure. This will also improve the quality of communication services in the Cantonments and Military Stations.
Age of superannuation of doctors other than Central Health Service (CHS) doctors
The Union Cabinet has given its ex-post facto approval for enhancing the superannuation age to 65 years for doctors of Indian Railways Medical Service. The Cabinet has also given its ex-post facto approval to enhance the superannuation age to 65 years for doctors working in Central Universities and IITs (Autonomous Bodies) under Department of Higher Education and doctors in Major Port Trusts (Autonomous Bodies) under Ministry of Shipping.
The superannuation age has been enhanced to 65 years in respect of doctors under their administrative control of the respective Ministries/Departments [M/o of AYUSH (AYUSH Doctors), Department of Defence (civilian doctors under Directorate General of Armed Forces Medical Service), Department of Defence Production (Indian Ordnance Factories Health Service Medical Officers), Dental Doctors under D/o Health & Family Welfare, Dental doctors under Ministry of Railways and of doctors working in Higher Education and Technical Institutions under Department of Higher Education].
Around 1445 doctors of various Ministries/Departments of the Central Government would be benefitted.
