In last Cabinet meet, these are key decisions taken by Narendra Modi govt

To spend Rs 4,500 crore to revive 'un-served, under-served' airports

In a bid to boost regional air connectivity, the Cabinet on Thursday approved a proposal to "revive and develop" a number of "un-served and under-served airports" across the country at a cost of Rs 4,500 crore. "Cabinet approves revival and development of un-served and under-served air strips of state governments, Airports Authority of India (AAI), civil enclaves, Central Public Sector Units (CPSU), helipads and water aerodromes," a government statement read. According to the statement, the government would spend Rs 4,500 crore on the entire exercise.

"As an outcome, small cities/towns shall be connected on commencement of operation of flights to under-served/un-served airports," the statement said. The regional connectivity scheme UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) seeks to connect unserved and under-served airports as well as make flying affordable.

Rs 26k crore investments announced for 2 thermal, 1 hydro power projects

An investment of Rs 25,816.1 crore for two thermal power projects and a hydro-electric plant were also approved. The CCEA cleared a proposal for investment of Rs 10,439.09 crore for 1320 MW Buxar Thermal Power Project in Bihar, an official statement said. The CCEA, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, also approved an investment of Rs 11,089.42 crore for 1320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh and Amelia Coal Mine in Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh. The government also approved an investment of Rs 4,287.59 crore for construction of Kiru Hydro Electric Project (624 MW) on river Chenab in Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir.

Delhi's unauthorized colonies get Cabinet nod for conferring ownership

Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, the Centre Thursday approved a proposal to constitute a committee to recommend process for conferring ownership or transfer rights to residents of unauthorized colonies in Delhi. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "Cabinet approves proposal to constitute a committee to recommend process for conferring ownership or transfer rights to residents of unauthorized colonies in Delhi," the government said in a statement. There are over 1,650 unauthorised colonies in the national capital where migrant population plays a vital role in deciding the fate of any political party during elections.

Cabinet orders Alternative Mechanism on CPSE strategic sale

To fast-track strategic sale of CPSEs, the Cabinet Thursday allowed Alternative Mechanism to decide on the timing, price and quantum of shares of a state-run company to be put on the block for outright sale. "The CCEA (Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs) has approved delegation of the following Alternative Mechanism in all the cases of strategic disinvestment of CPSEs where CCEA has given 'in principle' approval for strategic disinvestment," an official statement said. The Alternative Mechanism (AM) on strategic disinvestment consists of the Finance Minister, Minister for Road Transport and Highways and minister representing respective administrative department, to decide on the matters relating to terms and conditions of the sale.