The Union Cabinet today took a historic decision to give ownership rights to 40 lakh people living in unauthorised colonies in Delhi. This move by the union government comes weeks before the national capital goes to polls early next year.
Union Minister Prakash Javadekar also said that the cabinet has decided to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Rabi crops. In a major relief to the farmers, the MSP for wheat and barley has been increased by Rs 85, gram by Rs 255, masoor (lentil) by Rs 325, mustard by Rs 225.
The decision to increase the MSP of Rabi crops comes days before the new stock hits the market which is likely to help the agrarian sector which is under stress.
Dismissing rumours of state-run telecom companies BSNL and MTNL being closed, Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said that neither of the two companies are being disinvested. He added that the union cabinet has approved the revival plans for both the companies and given in-principle approval for the merger of the two. He also added that the 4G spectrum will be allotted and VRS (voluntary retirement scheme) packages will be offered to employees. The government will bring in Rs 29,937 crore for the package.
It has also been decided in the union cabinet meeting that the new companies can now enter the diesel and petrol retail market. Union Minister Javadekar added that this move will increase competition leading to increase in employment opportunities.
