The government has extended Ayushman Bharat health coverage to all citizens aged 70 and above. Additionally, it has sanctioned new financial support for electric vehicles allocated Rs70,125 crore for upgrading and building rural roads, and dedicated Rs12,461 crore for hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 31,350 MW.
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has unveiled several major initiatives aimed at improving healthcare, boosting electric vehicle adoption, and enhancing infrastructure. Among a series of major decisions approved by the Cabinet included:
The government has extended the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to include all senior citizens aged 70 and above, irrespective of their income. This expansion will provide Rs5 lakh in free health insurance to around 60 million seniors from 45 million families. Beneficiaries will receive a new health card. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that this initiative is designed to ensure accessible and high-quality healthcare for all seniors, enhancing their dignity and security. Seniors with existing private health insurance or those covered by the Employees’ State Insurance scheme will be eligible for the new coverage. Those already enrolled in other public health insurance schemes, such as the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) or Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), can choose to remain with their current plans or opt for AB PM-JAY.
The Cabinet approved the PM E-Drive Scheme with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over two years, replacing the previous FAME (Faster Adoption and Manufacture of Electric Vehicles) programme. This scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and support the development of necessary infrastructure. It will subsidize 2.48 million electric two-wheelers, 316,000 e-three-wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses, and will also fund the establishment of 88,500 charging stations. The plan includes Rs 500 crore for e-ambulances and another Rs 500 crore for e-trucks. The scheme offers Rs 3,679 crore in subsidies and incentives for various electric vehicles and maintains provisions to promote domestic manufacturing.
The Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) for the period from fiscal year 2025 to 2029. This initiative will involve a total investment of Rs70,125 crore, with Rs49,087.50 crore funded by the central government and Rs 21,037.50 crore by state governments. The plan includes the construction of 62,500 kilometers of roads to improve connectivity to 25,000 previously unconnected habitations, as well as the construction and upgrading of bridges.
Additionally, the government has allocated Rs12,461 crore for developing hydropower projects with a combined capacity of 31,350 MW, further advancing the country’s renewable energy goals.
These announcements reflect a comprehensive approach to enhancing healthcare, promoting sustainable transportation, and improving rural infrastructure.
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